As the holiday season quickly approaches, the hustle and bustle of preparing a traditional feast can be overwhelming. If you're looking to enjoy the day without the worry of cooking, restaurants in Long Branch and the local area have some great to-go menus and options in place for the holidays. Either order the whole menu or just a side or two. But be sure to get your orders in early, because they do have strict deadlines and often sell out. Here are some great local to-go Thanksgiving offerings that will transform your holiday into a stress-free and delicious celebration.
1. Long Branch Poultry Farm
Turkeys—both fresh and cooked—along with all of the sides and a large variety of home-baked pies can be ordered ahead from Long Branch Poultry Farm. The turkeys, available from 12 to 25 pounds, are raised on farms in western New Jersey and in Pennsylvania. Pickup will be Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22. Be sure to call well in advance, because they will sell out.
Where: 264 Branchport Avenue, Long Branch; 732-222-2464.
2. Sirena
You'll find a full Thanksgiving feast here served with a gourmet Italian flair. Sirena's menu (serves 6 to 8) includes roasted butternut squash soup, shaved brussels sprouts salad, butternut squash ravioli, organic roasted turkey, orange-cranberry marmellata and sherry-wine gravy. You need to order by November 17, and pickup is on Thanksgiving Day between 10 and 11 am.
Where: 27 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch; 732-222-1119; sirenaristorante.com/thanksgiving/
3. Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Chef David Burke has put together an extensive Thanksgiving menu at all of his award-winning restaurants, with Drifthouse in Sea Bright being closest to our area. His fully cooked dinner feeds 8 to 10 and comes packed separately in oven-friendly containers—all you need to do is reheat. Sides include stuffing, brussels sprouts, a broccoli-and-cauliflower medley, candied sweet potatoes, cranberry-orange compote and giblet gravy. Pickup is between 10 am to 12:30 pm Thanksgiving Day. Be sure to order in advance because they will sell out.
Where: 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright; 732-530-9760; drifthousedb.com.
Molly Gregor, the editor of Long Branch City Lifestyle, loves spending Thanksgiving day with family. Her favorite sides include mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts and stuffing. For dessert, apple pie a la mode is a must.