From mouthwatering feasts to Turkey Trots and holiday festivities, check out the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Orange County.
FEASTS
Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Thanksgiving Turducken Burger
Through Nov. 22. Get a taste of all your Thanksgiving table favorites in just one bite thanks to the new seasonal special at Hopdoddy. The Thanksgiving Turducken Burger includes a stuffing bun, fried green beans and onions, cranberry sauce, salt and pepper, mayonnaise and a turducken patty. Available at all Hopdoddy locations. hopdoddy.com
Back Bay Bistro’s Gourmet Thanksgiving Buffet and Holiday To-Go
Nov. 23. Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a festive gourmet buffet featuring slow roasted turkey, holiday sides and more. Back Bay Bistro is also offering Thanksgiving To-Go. Call ahead by November 22 to reserve your professionally prepared whole turkey and a selection of favorite holiday sides. Thanksgiving Buffet: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $50 adults, $25 ages 10 and under. Call 949.729.1144 to make a reservation. Thanksgiving To-Go: $150 for complete dinner (serves 4-6). To reserve your Thanksgiving To-Go, call 949.729.3800. Back Bay Bistro, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. newportdunes.com
The Backyard at Hotel Irvine
Nov. 23. For those who can’t take the heat and want to get out of the kitchen, The Backyard is the place to go for their Thanksgiving feast. A cornucopia of food stations will be offered including roasted turkey and maple-glazed Berkshire ham, cooked-to-order Steelhead salmon, build-your-own Bloody Marys and dessert stations including pumpkin pies, German chocolate cake and warm sticky toffee pudding. Plus, guests will enjoy live music, a kids’ craft station and a photo booth. 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. $80 adults, $20 children ages 5-12 (pricing includes tax and gratuity). The Backyard, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Del Frisco’s Grille Irvine
Nov. 23. Stop by Del Frisco’s Grille in Irvine for their three-course prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner. Menu items include butternut squash bisque, hand-carved slow roasted turkey breast, sage apple sausage stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake. 4-10 p.m. $42 adults, $15 children. 772 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.341.0376. delfriscosgrille.com
EATS Kitchen & Bar
Nov. 23. Guests are invited to pull up a chair to join the family for Thanksgiving EATS style where traditional favorites like oven-roasted free range turkey, honey-roasted pumpkin soup, roasted farmers market vegetables, seafood brodetto and seasonal desserts will be served. Noon-8 p.m. $46 adults. EATS Kitchen & Bar, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. eatskitchen.com
Five Crowns Thanksgiving To-Go
Nov. 23. Enjoy a Give Crowns feast with family in the comfort of your home. The festive menu boasts the classic oven roasted free range turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, buttered Blue Lake green beans and housemade cranberry compote. Prime rib is served in the traditional manner with au jus, Yorkshire pudding, organic whipped cream horseradish and choice of side. Pickup 8-10:30 a.m. See website for prices. 3801 East Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331. lawrysalacart.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Nov. 23. The Newport Beach restaurant will offer a special prix-fixe Thanksgiving Day menu inspired by traditional favorites. This three-course dinner starts with biscuits and pumpkin butter and honey, a salad or creamy lobster bisque, juicy herb-roasted turkey breast, house-made sage and brioche bread stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce, bacon, onion and almond green beans and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. End on a sweet note with a choice of pumpkin cheesecake with Chantilly cream or carrot cake with dark-rum caramel drizzle. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $50 per adult, $20 children ages 12 and under. Please call 949.720.9633 for reservations. Fashion Island, 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. flemingssteakhouse.com
Grand Ballroom Masterpiece Thanksgiving Holiday Celebration
Nov. 23. This Masterpiece Celebration features a bounteous 12-station buffet with entrees such as White Oak Smoked Turkey Breast, Grilled Seasonal Local Fish and Garlic and Rosemary Studded Slow-Roasted Prime Rib. There will also be a children’s station and a decadent dessert lounge showcasing such temptations as Boston Cream Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Truffles, Red Velvet Cupcakes and more. Highlights include live music, champagne and complimentary family photographs. Noon-5 p.m. $140 adults, $45 ages 4-12. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Island Hotel
Nov. 23. Held in the beautiful Island Hotel Ballroom, this Thanksgiving brunch includes a farmers market salads, free range turkey, carved-to-order prime rib, slow roasted pork loin and wood plank roasted salmon. There will be a Seafood Station, Biscuit Bar, Thanksgiving desserts and champagne to wash it all down. Live music and children’s crafts make this a day for the whole family. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $80 adults; $20 ages 5-12; Free 4 and under. Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4913. islandhotel.com
Jazz Kitchen
Nov. 23. Bring family and friends to the Jazz Kitchen for their Thanksgiving Special menu. For a starter, indulge in the Seafood Gratin that has Gulf shrimp, crawfish tails, blue crab, creamy béchamel, herb parmesan crust and baguette croutons. Afterwards, choose between a soup or salad and then two types of entrees that include the Turducken or Slow Roasted Cajun Turkey. Top off the meal with Praline Pumpkin Pie that has chantilly cream and whiskey crème anglaise. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200. rbjazzkitchen.com
The Loft in Montage Laguna Beach
Nov. 23. Chef Michael Campbell and his crew will be serving a four-course holiday tasting menu with a choice of appetizers such as Pumpkin and Leek Soup or Whole Grains Salad; entrees including Mary’s Farm Turkey with favorite accompaniments or Lobster Cavatelli with Sauce Americaine. There will also be an Artisanal Cheese Bite course and desserts prepared by pastry chef Lee Smith. Noon-9 p.m. $125 adults, $40 ages 4-12. The Loft, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Marketplace Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 23. For people who can’t make it home for the holidays, Marketplace will be serving up traditional Thanksgiving favorites all day long. Expect oven-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries, seasonal vegetables and more. It will be everything people love about Thanksgiving, without the cleanup. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $19 per meal, $60 for party of four. Marketplace, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Mastro’s
Nov. 23. Swap the turkey for a mouthwatering steak this holiday at Mastro’s locations throughout Southern California. Other menu specialties include lobster mashed potatoes, Gorgonzola mac ‘n cheese, black truffle, gnocchi and warm butter cake, among others. Various locations and pricing. mastrosrestaurants.com
Oak Grill
Nov. 23. Gather around the table with friends and family to enjoy Oak Grill’s decadent four-course dinner. For entree options, choose from Traditional Turkey Plate, Grilled Filet Mignon, Pan Seared Branzino or Slow Roasted Pork Chop—all with seasonal accompaniments. Plus, there will be classic Thanksgiving desserts created by pastry chef Andy de la Cruz. 4-9 p.m. $90 adults, $35 ages 5-12, under four free. Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon
Nov. 23. Satisfy your cravings at THE RANCH with their four-course Thanksgiving dinner. For the first course, guests will pick one of the following items: Hand-crafted Drake Family Farms Goat Cheese Raviolis. Georges Bank Sea Scallops, Hawaiian Ahi Tuna or Slow Roasted Beller’s Pork Belly. See website for list of items in all four courses. 2-7 p.m. $80/pp. Call 714.817.4200 for reservations. THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon, 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim. theranch.com
Selanne Steak Tavern
Nov. 23. Selanne Steak Tavern is starting a new holiday tradition this year with its first ever special Thanksgiving feast. Chef Joshua Severson’s Thanksgiving menu is tradition oriented with contemporary flair, composed of three tempting courses with choices accompanied by straight-from-the-farm sides served family style. Entree choices include Diestel Turkey Two Ways, American Wagyu Ribeye Roast and Kurobuta Leg of Ham Sugar and Spiced. 1-8 p.m. $95 adults, $25 ages 4-11. Selanne Steak Tavern, 1464 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9881. selannesteaktavern.com
Studio in Montage Laguna Beach Hotel
Nov. 23. Chef Craig Strong has created a special five-course tasting menu of seasonal fare and will also be serving Studio’s customary á la carte menu. Entrees include Scarborough Farms Mixed Greens, Yam Agnolotti, Sautéed Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Roasted Mary’s Organic Turkey and Pumpkin Cheesecake. 4-9 p.m. $170 adults or $255 with wine pairings, $50 ages 4-12. Studio, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Tanner’s Huntington Beach at Paséa Hotel & Spa
Nov. 23. Give thanks this year with a twist on traditional Thanksgiving cuisine at Tanner’s Huntington Beach. The first course features an autumn salad with grilled peaches, locally-sourced brussels sprouts and pancetta. For the second course, indulge in a turkey roulade made with an all-natural turkey breast wrapped with Neuske bacon and stuffed with traditional cornbread, chestnuts, dried apricots and braised collard greens. For dessert, a pumpkin cheesecake tops off the meal, served with whipped cream, cinnamon and seasonal fruit. $65/pp. Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.6130. tannershb.com
Thanksgiving Day Cruises
Nov. 23. Take in fresh ocean air as you cruise across the water to ring in Thanksgiving Day. Brunch Cruise lasts two hours and includes unlimited champagne and mimosas, brunch buffet with holiday dishes and live music. Buffet Supper Cruise lasts three hours and features a boarding glass of champagne, traditional Thanksgiving buffet and live music. $69-$93. See website for more details. Departs from Hornblower South, 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. hornblower.com
Three Seventy Common Kitchen+Drink
Nov. 23. Chef and owner Ryan Adams will be serving a most satisfying prix-fixe traditional roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The feast may be enjoyed at the restaurant or for take-out at home. Featured dishes include Corn and Potato Chowder, Roasted Free Range Turkey, Grilled Pork Loin, Candied Yams, Bruléed Pumpkin Pie and more. 1-8 p.m. $52 adults, $26 kids 10 and under. Three Seventy Common Kitchen+Drink, 370 Glenneyre, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8686. 370common.com
Vue Restaurant
Nov. 23. Spend Thanksgiving feasting with a view at Vue Restaurant for a champagne buffet and live entertainment by John Troy. See full menu on their website. 1:30-6 p.m. $95 adults, $40 ages 6-12. Vue Restaurant, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7516. lagunacliffs.com
The Winery
Nov. 23. Join The Winery in Newport Beach and Tustin for a traditional three-course turkey dinner with all the trimmings or one of chef Yvon’s creative classics. See websites for full menu. 12:30-8 p.m. Newport Beach: $64.95/pp; Tustin: $54.95/pp. The Winery Newport Beach, 3131 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.999.6622. thewinerynewport.com; The Winery Tustin, 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600. thewinerytustin.com
Ruby’s Diner Turkey Takeover
Through Nov. 26. Fall has arrived and Ruby’s Diner is celebrating with a menu full of seasonal-inspired flavors. Feast on items like the Thanksgiving Turkey Burger or the Turkey Arrabiata Ciabatta. Before you head home this Thanksgiving, try the Shake of the Month—Captain Crunch—through November 30. All participating locations. rubys.com
FITNESS
40th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot
Nov. 23. The County of Orange, OC Parks and Dana Point Harbor invite the community to experience the 40th annual Turkey Trot. Registered participants can walk, jog or run a 5K or 10K through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach. Kids ages 5-12 can also join the fun during the Kids’ Gobble Wobble race. Enjoy special Thanksgiving menu items and prices at select restaurants in the harbor. 6-11 a.m. 5K race $37+; 10K race $42; Kids’ Gobble Wobble $17+. See website for details. Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.1555. turkeytrot.com
OC Turkey Trot
Nov. 23. Ramp up your appetite and gobble up some fun at this year’s OC Turkey Trot. There will be a Race Expo that includes festivities prior to the race such as a themed selfie photo booth, surprise giveaways, free coffee and more. All 5K participants will receive a medal, a festive turkey trot shirt and pumpkin pie at the finish line. Race Expo 6:15-11 a.m. Race starts at 8 a.m. $35+ GA; $25 Kid’s Dash; $5 Parking Pass. See website for details. Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. runocturkeytrot.com
