You were well into your 20s before you learned people don’t celebrate Thanksgiving around the world(this sentence as published has been corrected in this text). Perhaps the Pilgrims’ British heritage confused you. But the U.S. is a country of immigrants, and just because the Pilgrims did Thanksgiving dinner one way doesn’t mean we all have to follow suit. We’ve found some spots where you can celebrate in true melting-pot fashion, with or without the turkey.
Coco Pazzo Cafe.
636 N. ST. CLAIR ST. 312-664-2777
Can’t make it to Italy on Thanksgiving? No problem. You can still get a taste of it at Coco Pazzo Cafe. The restaurant passes over traditional holiday fare in favor of a multicourse Tuscan-style feast. Dine on house specialties such as roasted-pumpkin puree; risotto with duck confit, savory cabbage and caramelized turnips; and homemade pappardelle with wild boar ragu, red wine and rosemary. If that’s not enough, finish it off with a pecan pastry with caramel and cinnamon gelato. Reservations recommended. 11:30 a.m. $40.
Reza’s
432 W. ONTARIO ST. 312-664-4500
5255 N. CLARK ST. 773-561-1898
Your painstaking search to find Persia on a map has been fruitless. (Psst: try Iran). Fortunately, you’ll have an easier time finding a Persian meal in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day. Just head to Reza’s, where an all-you-can-eat buffet of chicken and beef kabobs, hummus, falafel, lamb stew and other Persian and Mediterranean specialties accompanies American-style turkey with all the trimmings. If you prefer to skip the buffet and stick to what you know, the turkey dinner is also available separately. 11 a.m. $15.95-$19.95.
Rios d’Sudamerica
2010 W. ARMITAGE AVE. 773-276-0170
It took last summer’s World Cup tournament for you to realize that South America isn’t a country. Now that you’ve passed the geography test, get a lesson in the continent’s cuisine at Rios d’ Sudamerica. The Bucktown restaurant, so new it’s still BYOB, forgoes its regular menu on Thanksgiving Day in favor of a South American prix-fixe dinner. Dishes include ceviche, empanadas, Brazilian-style turkey with stuffing, and a slew of other pan-continental specialties. Want to end with a flourish? The chocolate cake with a white chocolate liqueur sauce should help. 2 p.m. $28; $2.50 per person corkage fee.
Bistro Margot
1437 N. WELLS ST. 312-587-3660
If you’ve boycotted all things Parisian since you found out the “homemade French bread” at your corner bakery is actually manufactured by Wonder, let Bistrot Margot renew your faith on Thanksgiving Day. The Old Town bistro is serving a special three-course menu of classic French fare, including favorites such as French onion soup, warm brie tart, roasted pork tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce, and espresso-laced chocolate and fresh raspberry terrine. Traditional American glazed ham and turkey entrees are also available, if you must. 11 a.m. $29.95.
El Nuevo Mexicano
2914 N. CLARK ST. 773-528-2131
El Nuevo Mexicano is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but the Mexican restaurant says “ole!” for the Thanksgiving holiday anyway, offering holiday-inspired specials Nov. 16-22 and 24-28. Warm up your taste buds before the big day with traditional tortilla soup with turkey breast, vegetables and warm tortillas; turkey enchiladas rolled and baked with ranchero salsa and anejo cheese; grilled turkey breast served with homemade red mole and a side of chipotle mashed potatoes; pumpkin flan; and lots of other dishes. 11:30 a.m. Prices vary.
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
