All the planning, shopping, peeling and chopping can turn the Thanksgiving feast into an endurance test, particularly for the time-strapped host. Fortunately, several Delaware-area establishments can do all the work for you. Just place your order and pick it up.
Prices will vary depending on the number of people, the type of turkey—free-range, fresh, frozen or organic—and the number of sides and extras. Some stores offer à la carte menu items, allowing you the freedom to pick and choose. Others have set packages.
Whichever meal you choose, order early. And when you select a pickup time, consider you’ll need to reheat the items, which can take an hour or more.
Here are some delicious options:
Wegmans in Concordville has complete Thanksgiving dinners for up to 12 people. Choose the classic sides (green bean-and-mushroom casserole) or go rogue with healthier alternatives, such as seasoned green beans. Visit catering.wegmans.com for more information and an online ordering form.
In Centreville, the Centreville Café and its catering arm, Montrachet Fine Foods, will handle whatever you need for Thanksgiving, whether it’s the stock for your gravy or an entire meal. Call (302) 777-4911 or visit centrevillecafe.com.
Janssen’s Market in Greenville once again has turkey dinners for guest lists ranging from from 2 to 12 people. The packages offer several options for each side—for instance, there are 6 starch selections, including the traditional potato dishes, as well as fruited wild rice and scalloped potatoes. The packages even include flowers. Call (302) 654-9941, ext. 3.
In Wilmington, Moveable Feast near Wawaset offers full dinners that will serve up to 10 people. Expect the classics, including green bean casserole, stuffing and mashed potatoes. You can add more sides. Call (302) 656-8892 for information.
Toscana To Go in Trolley Square is featuring a complete Thanksgiving meal for 10 with an Italian flair, such as focaccia-sage stuffing and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Order the turkey oven-ready or fully cooked. Call (302) 655-8600 and view the complete menu at tosanatogo.com.
The Back Burner “To Go” in Hockessin has an à la carte selection of Thanksgiving Day foods, including hot or cold roasted turkey. Many sides have a gourmet twist, like the herb-roasted beets or balsamic-roasted Kennett Square mushrooms. Call (302) 239-2732 or visit backburner.com/to-go-shop for an order form.
At the Rail Wine Bar & Grille, located in White Clay Creek Country Club in Stanton, is taking orders for two options, depending on whether you want a 10-to-12-pound bird or a turkey as big as 18 pounds. Along with the beloved green bean casserole, its menu includes caramelized onion-and-sausage stuffing, herb smashed potatoes, yams with a marshmallow, apple and pecan streusel topping; and herb biscuits. Soups, desserts and seafood options (like crab cakes and shrimp) are among the additional sides. You must order in person. For information, call (302) 994-6700, ext. 7194.
While some restaurants and shops are charging by the bird size, Bachetti Bros. Meats, Market & Catering charges per person ($15.99 each) for a ready-to-heat turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including coleslaw, pumpkin-raisin bread and a vegetable medley. Call (302) 994-4467 or visit bachettis.com for the menu.
The Pantry at Nage, located on Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach, is taking orders for complete dinners for 10 or just one (and you can order as many as you need). The package includes rolls; the desserts cost extra but are worth every penny. Pastry chef Dru Trevis’ sweet creations include pies (like caramel-pecan cream), pumpkin layer cake and bourbon-pumpkin cheesecake. See the entire list of selections at forkandflask.com/thanksgiving. To preorder, call (302) 226-2037.
Over the years, Big Fish Market—located just down Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach—has developed a following for Thanksgiving meals for groups of 4 to 6 or 8 to 10. Depending on that size, you’ll get a choice of one or two additional sides. Or order more à la carte. Call (302) 227-3665. The menu is available at bigfishgrillmarket.com. (The market promises there will be enough for leftovers.)
