By Grace Kuikman & Kristin Boza
Thanksgiving is a day of family and feasting, and, traditionally, a day (or week!) of cooking. Busy schedules can make it hard to feed a dining room full of guests, but local businesses can help streamline the process by offering delicious dishes from appetizers to dessert.
Here’s a menu of Thanksgiving foods available locally.
Hoka turkeys from County Fair Foods, 10800 S. Western, truly bring the freshness of Thanksgiving to your table. Raised at Kauffman Turkey Farm in Waterman, Illinois, Hoka turkeys are free- range and all natural. Because the turkeys are raised naturally, they develop a rich flavor. You buy them fresh – not frozen. Order by Nov. 19. Call 773-238-5576 or stop by the butcher counter when you’re at the store.
Ellie’s Café, 10701 S. Hale, offers a variety of delectable side dishes including their cheesy, yummy cauliflower or zucchini gratin casseroles. Orders start at 2 pounds and come in pans that can easily be reheated in the oven. Order by Nov. 19. Call 773-941-4401.
For many families, it’s just not a party without a cheeseball from Swanson’s Beverly Ritz, 2414 W. 103rd St. Created from a 50-year-old can’t miss recipe, Swanson’s hires a full time person to make cheeseballs during the holiday season! One customer orders 60 cheeseballs and gives them as gifts! Place your order at 773-239-1197.
Dinner rolls from Beverly Woods Banquet Hall, 11532 S Western, have been passed around local Thanksgiving tables for nearly 50 years. Flakey and fresh, be sure to order in advance so your guests won’t be disappointed! Call 773-233-7700.
There are two go-to Thanksgiving desserts at Laine’s Bake Shop, 11057 S. Homewood Ave.: banana pudding and peach cobbler. Home-style goodness id guaranteed, whichever you choose! Peach cobbler is available in half and full sheets; banana pudding comes small and large bowls. Order ahead! 844-352-4637.
Looking for a savory meal without the mess in your kitchen? Fox’s Beverly Pub, 9956 S. Western, is serving Thanksgiving dinner for $6.99 per plate. The mean includes sliced turkey breast with a variety of side dishes. Just looking to supplement dinner with side dishes? Fox’s catering menu includes meats, pastas, salads and lots more. The restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving day, so orders need to be placed early and picked up on Wed., Nov. 23. Call 773-239-3212
Beverages round out a meal, May we suggest that Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir pair well with turkey. Stop in at Town Liquor, 10000 S. Western for a terrific selection. Stop at Beverly Bakery, 10528 S. Western, to buy freshly roasted coffee for after your meal. Choose from a variety of roasts that are carefully selected and roasted right in the store!