It’s the most American of holidays, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the tried-and-true American take on Thanksgiving dinner. Think outside the box and you can still score a last-minute seat — and a break from the same-old, same-old — at a spot that’s putting its own spin on an American tradition.
Vermilion
10 W. Hubbard St. 312-527-4060
The spot: When it first opened in 2003, this swanky River North spot turned heads with its unique style of Indian and Latin American fusion. These days, Vermilion is recruiting followers far and wide — a second location spun off in New York earlier this month.
The menu: Vermilion’s already edgy cuisine gets even edgier when you throw American Thanksgiving ingredients like turkey and cranberries into the mix. The multicourse meal includes bhuna bhutta (roasted corn) soup, black cardamom-smoked turkey breast, sarson ka saag (North Indian-style mustard greens), panch puran-spiced cranberry chutney and more. There’s also a vegetarian prix-fixe option, and the regular menu is available upon request.
Cost: $55
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Reservation policy: Recommended, but not required
Trattoria Trullo
4767 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-506-0093
The spot: With a focus on the cuisine of Italy’s Puglia region and a homey vibe, this authentic Italian spot in Lincoln Square is a neighborhood favorite.
The menu: We’re guessing there was no risotto on the menu at the first Thanksgiving, but Trullo’s not shaking its Italian roots for the occasion. The four-course dinner includes a choice of roast turkey stuffed with Italian sausage or roast ribeye over mushroom risotto. Our only regret: Pizza doesn’t make the holiday menu — that’s coming in December, once new ovens from Italy are installed. The regular menu, however, also is available.
Doors open: 11 a.m.
Cost: $29
Reservation policy: Required
SushiSamba Rio
504 N. Wells St. 312-595-2300
The spot: Splashy and fun, this River North spot offers a globetrotting menu of Japanese fare — sushi included — plus Brazilian and Peruvian dishes and a host of creative cocktails.
The menu: For the most part, SushiSamba is sticking to what it knows best, offering the full regular menu on Thanksgiving. But you’ll also find a handful of special holiday additions such as marinated turkey with cornbread-linguica stuffing ($28). Wash it down with a decadent specialty cocktail like the Thanksgiving, a blend of spiced rum, Canton ginger liqueur, pear juice and caramel sauce topped with fresh whipped cream and crushed candied pecans ($11).
Doors open: 3 p.m.
Cost: Prices vary
Reservation policy: Recommended, but not required
China Grill
230 N. Michigan Ave. 312-334-6700
The spot: The Chicago outpost of this pan-Asian chain is tucked inside the Hard Rock Hotel, but don’t let the words “chain” and “hotel” fool you — it’s glitzier than most, and it definitely breaks the mold when it comes to Turkey Day offerings.
The menu: It’s not dinner at Grandma’s house (unless Grandma’s a chef specializing in Asian fusion) but the flavors here should make for a memorable holiday. China Grill’s multicourse prix-fixe meal includes pulled pork confit tostadas, turkey dumplings, five spice-rubbed turkey breast and more. The regular menu also is available.
Cost: $44
Doors open: Noon
Reservation policy: Recommended, but not required
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap41 E. Superior St. 312-266-0400
The spot: This River North standby is about as all-American as you can get, with a cozy bar atmosphere and 17 TVs to feed your yen for holiday football.
The menu: What’s more American than a buffet? A beer-inspired buffet! Jake Melnick’s Thanksgiving buffet includes brew-inspired eats such as roasted turkey with Octoberfest gravy, Leinenkugel’s Nut Brown sweet potato casserole and chocolate-cream cheese-stout brownies. A limited version of the regular menu is also available.
Cost: $19.95; $15.95 for kids 12 and under
Doors open: 11 a.m.
Reservation policy: Recommended, but not required
———-
KPRATT@TRIBUNE.COM.
