Don’t want to break it to Mom that her turkey is too dry and the green beans are always overcooked? Start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year by dining out. Though your neighborhood fave might be closed for the holiday, hotels are always a good bet. Several restaurants at new-in-2009 hotels are offering festive feasts, and our favorites at classic hotels are doing it up, too. (Hint: Book now to avoid a last-minute goose chase.)
NEW FAVORITES
Markethouse
Doubletree Hotel Chicago. 611 N. Fairbanks Ct. 312-224-2200
Hearty, locally sourced fare in a refined rustic dining room evokes Thanksgiving on a Midwestern farm — even though you’re just in Streeterville.
On the table: A prix-fixe menu focuses on the heartland, with maple-thyme – seasoned Slagel Family Farm turkey with sage giblet gravy, Anson Mills wild rice pilaf, chestnut-and-honeycrisp apple brioche stuffing and pumpkin pie with pecan praline ice cream. Diners also can opt for dishes off the regular menu.
Price: $24; $12 kids 12 and under
Reservations available: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Elate
Hotel Felix. 111 W. Huron St. 312-202-9900
Inventive organic cuisine reigns supreme at industrial-chic Elate, located in the new Hotel Felix, an eco-focused River North boutique hotel.
On the table: A three-course tasting menu highlights executive chef Randal Jacobs’ twists on traditional fare. For the first course, choose a mixed green salad or roasted chestnut soup. The main course, herb-roasted turkey, comes with sides such as sweet potato gratin. Cap it off with pumpkin pot de creme with chantilly cream. Limited regular menu also available.
Price: $55; $38 kids 12 and under
Reservations available: 2-8:30 p.m.
State and Lake
The Wit Hotel, 2nd Floor. 201 N. State St. 312-239-9500.
The ground-floor restaurant at buzz-worthy boutique hotel the Wit is awash in warm hues and rich textures, making for a cozy but not-too-staid locale for your holiday meal.
On the table: For the restaurant’s inaugural Thanksgiving, executive chef Bradley Manchester culled ideas from staff members’ traditional family meals. Specials include autumn squash soup ($5), sausage stuffing ($8) and braised turkey leg ($18). A set meal including the turkey dish also is available.
Price: $25 for set meal; dishes available a la carte
Reservations available: 3-10 p.m.
THE CLASSICS
Cafe des Architectes
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. 20 E. Chestnut St. 312-324-4000
If you can’t head to Paris for the holiday, this is the next best thing. The dramatic interior and French-influenced cuisine will inject a little glam into your Turkey Day.
On the table: A four-course prix-fixe menu features a choice of dishes such as brown butter-cauliflower soup, duck confit with parsnip puree, and Swan Creek Farms turkey. Desserts include a pumpkin tart with maple ice cream and coconut panna cotta.
Price: $65; $22 kids 5-12; under 5 free
Reservations available: Seatings at 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Lockwood
Palmer House Hilton. 17 E. Monroe St. 312-917-3404
An instant classic when it opened in 2008, this swank and stylish restaurant in the storied Palmer House serves contemporary fare.
On the table: A Thanksgiving buffet features a parade of seasonal dishes: spaghetti squash-and-red pepper soup, smoked lake trout, butternut squash ravioli, sweet potato-marshmallow gratin, maple-honey-molasses – roasted turkey breast and more. Wash it down with unlimited champagne.
Price: $55; $25 kids under 12
Reservations available: Buffet 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; regular menu available 5-10 p.m.
The Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Pl. 312-932-4615
The stately Drake is synonymous with the holidays in Chicago. As always, an elegant buffet takes over the adjoining Gold Coast and French banquet rooms on Thanksgiving.
On the table: Work your way through 160-plus items, from a seafood bar to a carving station complete with turkey, ham, rib roast and whole pork loin. Save room for a slice each of sweet potato and apple pie.
Price: $95; $29 kids 6-12; under 6 free
Reservations available: On the quarter hour, 11:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
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metromix@tribune.com
