I find that as I get older and my children are now adults, it’s not such a bad idea, and actually a sense of relief, to be able to skip all of the hours in the kitchen (actually, days, for many) that it takes to prepare, cook, and bake, for just a single holiday meal.
It’s not that I haven’t enjoyed hosting the holidays, including Thanksgiving at our home for the past 20 plus years, because I did. But, keep in mind that my family’s Italian heritage meant that there were foods that were an automatic addition to the turkey and all of the trimmings menu. It’s like cooking two separate meals to satisfy different family members, who look forward to the addition of antipasto, escarole soup, and with no doubt, either lasagna, manicotti, with meatballs, and sausage. And this doesn’t even touch on the many desserts, all homemade of course.
So, I think you can empathize with my stance on taking a break, at least a temporary one.
At many of Rhode Island’s most popular restaurants, they offer the options of dining in, or, choosing a Thanksgiving meal that is prepared and ready to go.
I, myself, am not a turkey lover, but without the Italian food added on, I actually fully enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving meal. The only variance is with the stuffing. My family and I find the Italian meat stuffing made from hamburg, pepperoni, sliced olives & mushrooms, along with croutons, to bell have to do. more satisfying, but I have yet to find a restaurant offering the Italian type, so the American style will do.
Often, dining in at restaurants on any holiday, however, can be a bit frustrating. After many tries at the dine-in idea, I won’t say that it’s an awful experience, however, it’s crystal clear that the service and the meal options seem to be scaled back. On a positive note, my family has never had complaints about whatever we choose because we all agree that the most important part of any holiday is being together, and following years of them witnessing the massive amount of work it takes for Mom, they graciously bear the minor inconveniences.
As the children were growing up, we never even considered going out for holiday dinners. Being in our home just felt more appropriate and comfortable. I’d say it’s mostly because my husband and I have always been intent on making memories for the kids that result from more traditional Thanksgivings & other holidays, surrounded by their countless cousins, who truly had the greatest time, spending fun time in our home.
Now, as I shared, our kiddies are now adults, and when the day comes when God blesses us with grandchildren, I will be more than happy to revert back to my kitchen and and glady cook up a homemade, traditional Thanksgiving feast, and yes, with the Italian dishes, if that’s what they want – all in the name of creating family traditions and memories for the new generation, but until that time is here, I will enjoy and appreciate the much needed break.
More than ever, due to the current “events” happening in our country, I feel there’s never been a more important time to educate our younger generation about the importance of family togetherness and family values.
Wishing everyone a blessed holiday season, filled with feasts, love, laughter, and the joy of being healthy and together!
Below are some restaurants in Providence offering alternatives for Thanksgiving Day dinners (dine-in/take out). At the time of writing this article, there is only a limited list of participating restaurants that are showing online. You will definitely find a much larger statewide selection as November 28th draws nearer.
THESE ARE JUST A HANDFUL OF POPULAR PROVIDENCE RESTAURANTS OPEN ON THANKSGIVING DAY IN 2024!
All restaurants require reservations for Thanksgiving Day.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
One West Exchange Street
Providence
(401) 533-9000
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Three-course dinners with roast turkey, filet mignon, or bone-in ribeye, including starter, sides, and dessert.
Il Massimo
134 Atwells Avenue
Providence
(401) 273-0650
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Three-course turkey dinner and a selection of specialties.
Bellini Providence
50 Westminster Street
Providence
at The Beatrice
(401) 443-2960
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Not yet specified
Capital Grille
10 Memorial Blvd.
Providence
(401) 521-5600
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Full menu plus a turkey dinner special with Slow-Roasted Turkey, sides, and dessert.
Mill’s Tavern
101 North Main Street
Providence
(401) 272-3331
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Not yet specified
The George
121 Washington Street
Providence
(401) 642-6840
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Roasted turkey, stuffing, lobster ravioli, prime rib, and more
Andino’s
171 Atwells Avenue
Providence
(401) 453-3164
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Not yet specified.
Trattoria Appia
245 Atwells Avenue
Providence
(401) 383-2002
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Special holiday menu, plus regular menu entrees
Saint Restaurant
289 Atwells Avenue
Providence
(401) 423-4911
Call for hours and reservations
Menu: Not yet specified
