Thanksgiving in Boulder: Chef Skokan channels grandma's turkey recipe, The Kitchen serves up root veggie pot pies and more feasts
Nov. 17—Yes, the holidays are supposed to be the "most wonderful time of the year," but unfortunately, sometimes life happens.
Perhaps your oven explodes from a grease fire while broiling the green beans. Or that lovely weeklong vacation to France gets canceled because, for some reason, the French are on strike (yet again). Or Southwest has a complete meltdown and loses your luggage, stranding you in a strange city for four days straight with only one pair of pants and a purse full of hard candies.
Whatever the scenario, these heroic restaurants in Boulder have your back this year if things go awry. From in-restaurant meals (the dishwasher broke) to takeaway options (accidentally forgot to buy a turkey and need to cover your tracks), you're not alone this Thanksgiving.
In-house dining reservations
Bramble & Hare: This recent recipient of the Michelin Green Star award will be serving a farm-to-table Thanksgiving feast, with seatings at 11 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. Guests can look forward to a classic meal with all of the favorites, including mashed potatoes, roast root vegetables, greens, cranberry sauce and a sampler platter of desserts. The star of the show, though, is the succulent turkey, inspired by a recipe from Chef Eric Skokan's grandmother, studded with garden herbs and butter and roasted to crispy, salty perfection. Vegetarian options are also available, and the $95 per-person meal includes the price of alcohol. Visit here to book.
The Kitchen: From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving dinner at the stylish bistro, which includes a first course, main, sides and dessert. This menu is vegetarian-friendly, with a choice between roasted turkey with cranberry chutney and gravy, and an autumn pot pie made of root vegetables, squash, sage and phyllo dough for main course. The dinner costs $99.50 per person and $45.50 per person ages 12 years old and under, and reservations are required. Visit here to book.
Boulder Cork: The lively steak and seafood restaurant will be open from noon to 8 p.m. for Thanksgiving dinner, with reservations required. In true surf 'n' turf style, Boulder Cork's menu features a local roast sliced turkey with all the fixings, a baked glazed ham and a turkey and ham combination for those who just can't decide. The menu also offers butternut squash ravioli, sea scallops, six different dessert options, plenty of sides and more. For reservations, call 303-443-9505.
Greenbriar Inn: The elegant, shire-esque tavern tucked away in North Boulder off Foothills Parkway is serving up a Thanksgiving buffet, featuring carved turkey and prime rib, salmon, traditional sides, appetizers, soups and desserts, including three different pie choices. Libations will be offered at market price and will be available a la carte. Reservations are required for this meal, with seatings from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call the restaurant at 303-440-7979 to save a spot.
Snooze A.M. Eatery: The breakfast joint isn't necessarily roasting up turkeys and its sides but it has kicked off its "Season of Gratitude" festive holiday menu. Through Jan. 3, patrons can indulge with cranberry orange pancakes, complete with orange custard, candied cranberries, cranberry mascarpone and shortbread crumble or savory short rib and gruyere polenta that comes with roasted sweet potatoes and kale, savory sofrito and mushroom and beef gravy, topped with a sunny-side up cage-free egg and chives; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; snoozeeatery.com.
Takeaway options
The Kitchen: Also offering a takeout option, diners can choose from a comprehensive menu to build their own specially-made Thanksgiving meal, with vegetarian and meat options available. Menu items include herb-whipped potatoes, roasted leek and mushroom dressing, a chilled bean melange, Parker House rolls, a 15-pound turkey, an autumn pot pie that feeds six and more. To place an order, visit here. Orders must be picked up from the restaurant between 11 a.m. -3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Boulder Cork: Boulder Cork is also offering takeout for its Thanksgiving menu, and will include options also featured on the in-restaurant Thanksgiving dining menu. Call 303-443-9505 to place a pre-Thanksgiving takeout order.
Blackbelly: Another recipient of the Michelin Green Star award, the team over at Blackbelly know a thing or two about the meats. To take the pressure off of anyone wary of selecting a turkey at the grocery store, Blackbelly is offering up its renowned butcher shop expertise with two different breeds of naturally-raised turkeys for patrons to choose from in a variety of sizes. Visit here to fill out a turkey request form.
Dry Storage: The artisanal mill and bakery are serving up some inspired and unique dessert options for pickup, including an apple ginger pie and pumpkin miso pie, as well as some bread options to soak up that extra gravy, including dinner rolls, a baguette and country loaf. All items are made with the mill's locally grown organic grain. Visit here to place an order.
Cure Organic Farm: The farm stand has curated a special box of fresh, organic produce, including fruits and veggies, to be used in Thanksgiving cooking. This year's box includes several pounds of potatoes, garlic, onions, celery, carrots, butternut squash and apples for $55. Visit here to order.
Honorable mentions
These restaurants are already sold out for in-person Thanksgiving dinner: Chautauqua Dining Hall, Jill's Restaurant, The Corner Bar, Spruce Farm and Fish, Hotel Boulderado's Thanksgiving buffet — but we commend them for staying open on the national day of thanks.
