Family is great and all, but let’s be real: Chowing down is one of the best parts of Turkey Day. If you love eating and dread cooking, or if it’s just not financially feasible this year, here are some lovely alternatives.
Good ol’ Norma’s Cafe serves up traditional favorites for those in need from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The free meal includes turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, salad, rolls, fruit and dessert. This is the 24th year the eatery, located at 1123 W. Davis, has provided Thanksgiving meals, made possible by several sponsors. Last year, more than 6,000 turned up for the grub. “My dream is to bring the community and city together one relationship at a time in a spirit of thankfulness,” owner Ed Murph says in a press release.
Smoke Restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. to save reluctant family chefs from disastrous holiday feasts. The special menu includes holiday cocktails, pimento cheese croquettes, pumpkin toast with chicken liver pate, fresh fish, prime rib roast, turkey and mexican cinnamon apple cobbler. Smoke is at 901 Ft. Worth Avenue.
For those who’d prefer to eat at home, order Bolsa Mercado‘s Thanksgiving takeout and claim it as your own labored-over meal. All the basics are there, plus dishes like brussels sprouts and applewood smoked bacon, and bourbon chocolate pecan pie. Prices range from $49-$180 depending on the number of mouths to feed. Whole pies cost $32. Call 214.942.0451 to preorder by Sunday, Nov. 18 and pick up the food–discreetly, if you wish–Wednesday, Nov. 21. Bolsa Mercado is located at 634 W. Davis.
