Who I should be spending Thanksgiving with

I’m back! I know, I know, I’ve been MAJORLY slacking on the blog updating.  What can I say? It’s been an eventful month or two. Between launching a couple of restaurants, a few fundraisers, weddings galore, college football, and all the other craziness that is ‘season’ in Miami, I haven’t had much time to update this blog. Things have been just going way too fast to actually sit down and chronicle them.

But, my (early) New Year’s resolution is to update this sucker at least twice a week. And to lose 10 lbs. Hopefully I can stick to at least one of those goals.

Anywho, as some of you may know, I work in the hospitality industry and our Superbowl is this week – that’s right, Thanksgiving. Originally, I had plans to go to Orlando to see some friends and family, dine with Mickey Mouse, and then head to God’s Country (aka Gainesville, FL) to watch my Gators play against that dirty, dirty ‘girl’s’ school. But, due to a crazy roommate unforeseen circumstances, I have to now stay in town and move out of my apartment. You’re jealous, I know.

So where’s a girl to eat? If you’re not spending Thanksgiving at a relative’s house, or just don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from around Miami. Check out my top 5 picks after the jump.

1500°  - One of my favorite steakhouses on Miami Beach and recent recipient of Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants of 2011, it’ll be serving up a buffet fit for a king from 3-9pm on Thanksgiving Day. Highlights include Roasted Florida Cobia, Fig Molasses Slow Cooked Ribs, Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings, and for dessert – get ready for it – it’ll have a S’MORES STATION. Can you tell what my favorite dessert was when I was growing up?  (Price: $60++ per person. Located in the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach: 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 305-674-5594)

 
Area 31 – This restaurant is known to put on a killer holiday buffet. I think I’m still full from its over the top Mother’s Day buffet. This Thanksgiving meal is sure not to disappoint with options such as Turkey AND Whole Pig Carving Station, Snapper with Coconut Rice, Pork Tenderloin with Bacon Sweet Potato Hash, Shellfish Stew with Chili Saffron and Coconut Broth, and more desserts than you know what to do with – and I almost forgot to mention, wine is included! (Price: $85 ++ per person and includes choice of red or white wine. Located on the 16th Floor of the EPIC Hotel: 270 Biscayne Blvd, Miami; 305-424-5234)

Christy’s - An institution in Coral Gables, I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving here many times throughout my short life. This year they’ll be offering a ‘Traditional Thanksgiving’ which includes not only the BEST Caesar Salad you’ve ever had, but also Roasted Turkey, Creme of Mushroom Soup, Sweet Potato Mash, and a choice of Pumpkin or Pecan Pie. If you’re vying for a piece of red meat (I mean it is a steakhouse after all) they’ll be serving up some steak and fish options as well.  (Price: $39.50 ++ per person. 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables; 305-446-1400)

Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill - The Truffle Roasted Chicken that is found on the Sugarcane menu is quite possibly one of my favorite dishes in town. I swear I have dreams about that dish and not only will that dish be found on the menu, but special a la carte offerings of Thanksgiving-inspired dishes will also be available such as Creamy Polenta with Duck Egg and Duck Proscuitto, Suckling Pig Porchetta, Apple Cider Roasted Turkey, and Pumpkin Pecan Clafoutis. Wash it back with a Spice of Love and you’re in business. (Price: Varies. 3250 NE 1 Ave; 786-369-0353
 )

Yarbird Southern Table and Bar – The newest dining darling from celeb chef Jeff McInnis, this restaurant will be offering up some good ol’ southern cooking on everyone’s favorite food holiday. The family style meal will have two seatings at 3:30 and 7pm and will be filled with Southern dishes like Cheddar Spoon Bread, Sweet Potato Pie, Green Bean Casserole, Turkey Three Ways (brined, confit, and of course, fried), along with a plethora of pies to round out the meal.  (Price: $65++ per person. 1600 Lennox Ave, Miami Beach; 305-538-5220)