Atlanta Thanksgiving Planner 2009

103 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (map)

We like most anything that comes out of the Buckhead Life Group, and 103 West (which is typically reserved for special events) gives us an expensive reason to get pumped. A whole roasted turkey served family style, granny smith apple dressing and sweet potato soufflé get accented by Pano’s private reserve coffee and butternut squash soup with white truffle oil. Its attention to detail, and we like it.

1879 Cheshire Bridge, Atlanta, GA 30324 (map)

There are few more quintessential Atlantan (or Southern, for that matter) restaurants than the Colonnade, and again the long-standing staple is open for the great feast of fall. While you can nosh on turkey and dressing, we do like the outside-the-box idea of bringing fried chicken into the mix, the Colonade has some of the best in town.

659 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (map)

The newest cool restaurant to take over an old, elegant space, Livingston goes expectedly-classic-yet-edgy with their Thanksgiving menu. Tanglewood farms roasted turkey gets prepared two ways (we like the crispy confit of leg) while sourdough dressing and brown butter spiced sweet potatoes provide comfort-central. Maple cheesecake gets our vote for dessert. Make reservations, folks.

88 West Paces Ferry Rd, (404) 563-7910, GA 30305 (map)

The uber-elegant and recent Esquire Mag recognized, Paces 88 goes 5-course style for the day-o-turkey. While the main entrees feature your normal Thanksgiving fixin’s, we’re super-pumped for the opening courses. Lobster bisque and pumpkin risotto with five-spices duck arugula salad make the $65 per person price tag immediately worth it.

3376 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (map)

Considering the fact that Craft built its menu on sharable, wood-fired comfort foods, it’s not exactly surprising to find out that the NY-based franchise has a tradition of doing a 3-course, family-style Thanksgiving meal. Hell, it’s like Thanksgiving inspired the place. Atlanta Chef de Cuisine Kevin Maxey is creating a local-inspired menu but will include Tom Colicchio’s special sausage stuffing.

1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Ste. 309, Smyrna, GA 30080 (map)

Need a whole bird? No problem. Reserve a Heritage turkey through M&T, plus their gourmet shop has sides, wines (always good to have outstanding wines in the cellar) and zip-sealed meals to-go that should have no problem fitting a wide array of agendas.

1198 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)

Just in case you haven’t noticed, any culinary spot that has Anne Quatrano involved is damn good. And getting take-out from Star Provisions is kind of like if Bacchanalia provided your Thanksgiving dinner. (Let that sink in.) Whole roasted turkeys, vegetable casseroles, home-style sides, fresh baked breads: its traditional turkey day eats, except better, and you don’t have to do anything.

1394 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

Sure Alon’s does turkey and sides and such for Autumn’s excuse to eat too much and sleep in the afternoon, but if you want to look like a total holiday badass, we like the idea of picking up bread from Alon’s (because good bread can make all the difference). Fresh baked on site by 10am every morning, such a thoughtful accent will you look like a Thanksgiving champion.

175 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE Suite E, Atlanta, GA 30328 (map)

For the “I’m-not-sure-what-to-bring-to-my-kinda-new-girlfriend/boyfriends-family-dinner” situation, we give you Breadwinner. (Everyone will love you, trust us.) The bakery featured on Food Network does loaves that are sweet enough to serve as dessert, but can also work for breakfast. Pumpkin, peach and cranberry orange are three loaves that make Thanksgiving sense, but the mocha chocolate chip pulls on our heartstrings.

997 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

Continuing their tradition of “we’re going to sell out of our Thanksgiving To-Go feast early every year,” Murphy’s does a meal for 4 people for $125, or a meal for 8 folks for $225. And seriously, they sell out early every year. Items like roasted butternut squash soup, greens with pears and molasses mashed sweet potatoes give you reason to call ahead early.