Thanksgiving always sneaks up on you. One day you’re packing up your Halloween costume, the next you’re glancing at the calendar to discover (yikes!) only three weeks till turkey time. Fortunately, you’re not alone. There’s still plenty to go around, no matter what kind of feast suits you best.
You’re a … vegan
About you: You’ve got a lifetime membership to PETA. You always choose tofurkey over turducken. The phrase most likely to be heard at your holiday table is, “Could you please pass the savory herbed loaf?”
Your match: Chicago Diner (3411 N. Halsted St.). This long-running Boystown veggie spot serves its annual vegan feast, a turkey-free spread that includes salad, soup, an entree (options include pumpkin lasagna, roasted veggie tofu “turkey,” and seitan and mushroom Wellington), a full complement of sides and dessert. There’s also a raw plate option.
Essentials: Seatings at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. $37.99; $22.99 for kids. Reservations required: 773-935-6696. Carryout also available.
You’re a … carnivore
About you: You think white meat is for the birds. You’ve never met a steak you didn’t like. You’d shoot wild game from your helicopter, if you had one.
Your match: ZED451 (739 N. Clark St.).
You could argue that it’s Thanksgiving every day at ZED451, which piles on all manner of all-you-can-eat meat, carved tableside, as a matter of course. (There’s poultry and some greenery too, but face it: Everyone knows why you’re really here.) The River North spot isn’t doing a special Thanksgiving menu, but the usual onslaught of steaks will parade past until you’ve had your fill.
Essentials: Noon-10 p.m. $55. Reservations recommended: 312-266-6691.
You … love a parade
About you: Giant inflatable Peanuts characters don’t scare you at all. You’d stand in the rain for hours to catch a glimpse of the Shriners in their fun hats. There’s no way you’re missing the 75th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade (details at metromix.com).
Your match: China Grill (230 N. Michigan Ave.). Located in the Hard Rock Hotel, this pan-Asian spot is just a few blocks from the end of the parade route at State and Randolph Streets. After the spectacle winds down, head over for a four-course feast of Asian twists on traditional dishes such as five spice-rubbed turkey breast with cranberry-orange chutney and miso-infused gravy.
Essentials: Noon-8 p.m. $44. Reservations required: 312-334-6700. Regular menu also available.
You … hate a parade
About you: Giant inflatable Peanuts characters scare you more than you’d care to admit. You won’t go anywhere near Michigan Avenue within 24 hours of the biggest shopping day of the year. You typically need several stiff drinks to survive Turkey Day.
Your match: Chief O’Neill’s Pub (3471 N. Elston Ave.). Seek refuge at this warm and welcoming Celtic joint located far from the downtown crowds. The four-course holiday menu includes options such as pumpkin bisque with blue cheese-crusted croutons and cranberry pesto-crusted prime rib. Pumpkin cheesecake with Bushmills-sour cream topping delivers your whiskey fix, but if you need something harder, you can count on Chief O’Neill’s for one of the best whiskey selections in town.
Essentials: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $27.95; $12.95 for kids ages 3-12. Reservations: 773-583-3066.
You’re a … traditionalist
About you: You named your dog Mayflower. Your belt buckle collection is the talk of all your friends. You sometimes roast a whole turkey in July, just ’cause.
Your match: Lockwood Restaurant (17 E. Monroe St.). It doesn’t get more classic than the restaurant at the landmark Palmer House Hilton, where a buffet features all the traditional faves plus some contemporary updates. Look for a spread that includes chestnut soup, braised sweet potatoes, carved meats and much more. Includes champagne for adults and sparkling cider for kids.
Essentials: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $50-$65; $25 for kids 11 and younger. Reservations required: 312-621-7360.
You’re an … escapist
About you: Everyone knows better than to bring up the grease fire of 2006 in your presence. You haven’t put the batteries back in your smoke alarm since Christmas. Face it: You’ll be more comfortable with a cold body of water between you and your kitchen.
Your match: Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise. Hop aboard the Spirit of Chicago and get away from it all. The three-hour Lake Michigan cruise includes a buffet (prepared by trained professionals, thank you very much) stacked with dishes like walnut-crusted turkey breast and cheddar cheese mashed potatoes. Live entertainment and dancing provide additional distractions.
Essentials: 6-10 p.m. $62.90. Departs at 7 p.m. from Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Reservations required: 866-273-2469.
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KPRATT@TRIBUNE.COM
