THANKSGIVING
Turkey Trot
Nov. 27. Participate in Southern California’s premier Thanksgiving Day run while touring the beaches, cliffs and coves of Dana Point. 6-11 a.m. $35-$50. Kid’s Gobble Wobble one-mile race is $12. Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.1555. turkeytrot.com
Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Join the resort in their ocean-view, Vue restaurant this Thanksgiving. Enjoy live entertainment during the champagne buffet as you celebrate with family and friends. Selections include a carving station with prime rib and turkey; chilled jumbo shrimp; gourmet macaroni and cheese station; roasted pumpkin bisque; candied sweet potatoes; Skuna Bay salmon; and an abundant pastry spread. 2-5 p.m. $99 adults; $40 children 6-12. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7516. lagunacliffs.com
Pinot Provence
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a holiday menu from Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez including smoked ham hock terrine with pear and saffron puree; scallops with sautéed Bloomsdale spinach, pear onions, roasted squash and salsa verde; duo of lamb with lamb loin, lamb shoulder, cannellini beans, braised Swiss chard and lamb jus; and pumpkin pie with dried fruit compote, red wine reduction, brioche crostini and pepitas. $45 for three-courses; children’s menu available for kids 10 and under. 2-9 p.m. The Westin South Coast Plaza, 868 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900. patinagroup.com
Silver Trumpet
Indulge in Lakeside dining this Thanksgiving for a brunch buffet featuring live entertainment and all of your holiday favorites with the restaurant’s signature twist such as mini turkey sliders; ambrosia salad,;roasted pumpkin soup; bone-in brown sugar crusted ham; pumpkin ravioli; prime rib; roasted turkey; and pumpkin, apple and pecan pie. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $55 adults; $17 children. Wyndham Avenue of the Arts, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 714.442.8593. silvertrumpetrestaurant.com
Hornblower Cruises
Enjoy a stress-free, mess-free Thanksgiving by letting Hornblower do all the work while you relax and spend time with friends and family. Indulge in a traditional Thanksgiving buffet, boarding glass of champagne and live entertainment. 4:30-7:30 p.m. $86. 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.631.2469. hornblower.com
Zov’s
Take the stress out of preparing an overwhelming Thanksgiving dinner and opt to have Zov’s prepare an all-inclusive feast for take-out. The complete meals serve 12-15 people and include roasted free-range turkey; wild mushroom and Jasmine rice stuffing with black currants and pine nuts; sage gravy; maple-glazed roasted yams; garlic mashed potatoes; buttered green beans with almonds; cranberry citrus relish; classic creamed corn; baby mixed green salad with vinaigrette; fresh baked rolls, and choice of pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. $450. Reserve by Nov. 19 and pick up is on Nov. 26 from 1-5 p.m. Zov’s Bistro, 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.838.8855. zovs.com
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar
Bring the entire family in to enjoy some of Scott’s classically prepared seafood favorites including Chilean sea bass, as well as oven roasted turkey and traditional apple cobbler. $50 for an entrée and dessert. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400. scottsrestaurantandbar.com
Taps
Choose to dine-in or order take-away, as either way, Taps will provide a Thanksgiving feast. The dine-in buffet ($43.99 adults; $14.99 children 3-10) includes a fresh oyster bar, shrimp cocktail, sliced charcuterie and artisan cheeses, honey smoked salmon, roasted lemon Brussels sprouts, balsamic glazed beets, pumpkin bisque, carved-to-order herb-brined turkey, prime rib or honey-glazed ham and a cornucopia of holiday desserts. For guests that prefer to order take-away, a three-course dinner with all the trimmings includes Caesar salad, sourdough loaf with balsamic dipping sauce and three-and-a-half pounds of carved turkey breast alongside traditional stuffing, housemade gravy, fresh cranberry sauce, chef’s vegetables, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato mash and pumpkin pie for $130; serves four. 101 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea. 714.257.0101. tapsfishhouse.com
Island Hotel Newport Beach
Executive Chef David Man creates a grand Thanksgiving brunch buffet with light and healthy dishes, accompanied by live acoustical guitar and hosted children’s activities. Buffet choices utilize fresh fall produce served in an array of interactive stations where the culinary team will prepare food to taste based on your palate. Abundant offerings include made-to-order Benedicts and savory omelets, a seafood assortment, a carving station as well as holiday sides and an assortment of delectable desserts. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $65 adults; children under 12 are free. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Oak Grill
Enjoy Chef Marc Johnson’s creative prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner at Oak Grill. The four-course meal includes selections like slow roasted butternut squash soup with banana bread croutons or baby kale and charred pear salad; pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter or fall vegetable risotto with port gastrique; and traditional turkey plate, seared Atlantic salmon or grilled filet mignon for entrees. Finish off the meal with dessert choices such as classic pumpkin pie or a pecan pie donut sundae. $85 adults; $25 additional for wine pairings; children’s menu available. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Tangata
Feast on a buffet including Kabocha squash soup; roasted Brussels sprout salad; roasted free range turkey; red wine braised short ribs; buttery Yukon mashed potatoes; apple sage stuffing with Maple bacon; warm corn bread; citrus cranberry sauce with candied orange zest; pumpkin pie; bourbon chocolate pecan pie and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $46 adults; $19 children 10 and under. A full to-go menu is available as well. See website for details. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.559.0906. patinagroup.com
Leatherby’s Café Rouge
Thanksgiving choices from the three-course menu include a modern beet salad or lobster coconut bisque; organic free range roast turkey with all the trimmings, local halibut or braised natural beef short ribs; and pumpkin pie or chocolate namelaka for dessert. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $48 adults; $19 children (two-courses). 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714..429.7640. patinagroup.com
Catal
A festive meal at Catal includes choices such as piquillo peppers with goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, golden raisins and sherry vinegar pearls; cider-brined turkey with cranberry apple relish, potato puree, haricots verts, mushroom stuffing and gravy; braised short-rib with roasted root vegetables, foraged mushrooms, potato purée and rosemary nut gremolata; and chocolate namelaka financier with roasted griottes, pistachio Chantilly and basil. $38 for three-course menu; children’s menu available for kids 10 and under. 12-10 p.m. 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.774.4442. patinagroup.com
Waterline
Experience the rich tradition of Thanksgiving dinner served in a relaxed ambiance along the waterfront. Enjoy a special four-course meal with selections such as butternut squash soup; pumpkin spice cured salmon; citrus marinated turkey breast with oyster stuffing; filet of beef; and pecan bar for dessert. Live piano music will be provided. 2-7 p.m. $85 adults; $42 children 4-12. Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000. balboabayresort.com
SHOR American Seafood Grill
Dine on a traditional Thanksgiving Day menu featuring locally sourced fresh items such as buckets of shellfish; rosemary and salt crusted prime rib; and herb-marinated oven roasted turkey. A specialty kids menu is also available. 12-6 p.m. $65. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, 949.729.6055. shorgrill.com
Charlie Palmer
Enjoy a three-course menu with choices including market oysters; Maine lobster chowder; slow-basted organic turkey; crispy skin Scottish salmon; filet mignon; and pumpkin tart. 2-7 p.m. $75 adults; $25 children under 12. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525. charliepalmer.com
Sapphire Grill
Join Chef Azmin Ghahreman for his signature global twists on Thanksgiving dishes such as whiskey-pepper cured salmon; butternut squash bisque; herb roasted Diestel hen turkey; pan seared beef tenderloin; short rib sheppard’s pie; and spiced rum apple cake. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $55 adults; kids menu available. A three-course feast to-go is also available for $385 and feeds eight to ten guests as well as a VIP four-course dinner to-go for $595 for up to 12 guests. 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9888. sapphirellc.com
Clancy’s American Grill
Join Clancy’s for their Gobble Gobble Feast including the everyday menu as well as Thanksgiving specials such as oven roasted turkey breast with herbed stuffing; cider glazed sweet potatoes; classic mashed potatoes; and harvest pumpkin cheesecake. 4 p.m.-close. 2191 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.750.7500. clancysamericangrill.com
Slater’s 50/50
The Thanksgiving Burger, a fan favorite from the restaurant’s original menu, is available throughout November. Try their signature fresh patty topped with house made brioche dressing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and sage mayonnaise on a honey wheat bun. Pair with the Colorado Stupid Stout which goes perfectly with the turkey and holiday spices. 6362 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road., Anaheim Hills, 714.685.1103; 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730; 24356 Schwartz Drive, Lake Forest, 949.460.9314. slaters5050.com
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
Starting at 6 a.m., watch the Turkey Trot runners pass by the patio while you enjoy brunch and sip Bloody Marys, bellinis and mimosas. After the race, stick around for a Thanksgiving feast prix fixe menu with acorn squash and honey crisp apple bisque; traditional herb roasted turkey; smoked salt and black pepper roasted prime rib au jus and pumpkin pie with cinnamon cream. 25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.388.8900. j-fat.com
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving champagne buffet including holiday classics such as roasted turkey, a carving station, stuffing and more. Snoopy will make an appearance to entertain the kids. $39.99 adults; $29.99 seniors and $17.99 kids 3-11. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. knotts.com Mrs.