Thanksgiving 2012: Restaurant Dining Across the San Fernando Valley -- My Daily Find

BY KAREN YOUNG

If it’s last minute and you’re still figuring out what to do on Thanksgiving, you may want to consider a restaurant destination. We all have visions of that perfect Thanksgiving in a house full of family and friends, but every once and again it’s nice to let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. Although many restaurants are closed, here are a select bunch from across the San Fernando Valley serving up special holiday menus.

Take a rest and dine out on T-Day.

CALABASAS

The Saddle Peak Lodge is presenting the most extravagant take on Thanksgiving with a four-course meal. Begin the feast with a choice of roasted apple salad,r oasted pumpkin and parmigianino reggiano soup orbibb lettuce salad. For the second course, choose between pan seared quail and seared scallops. The main course features roasted Diestel Farms turkey breast, seared New Zealand elk tenderloin or pan-roasted Scottish salmon. Satisfy your sweet tooth with pumpkin pie with caramel or apple-cinnamon bread pudding with vanilla ice cream $95 for adults, $45 for children 12 and under (choice of two courses). $40 additional wine pairing. Vibe: A sophisticated, cozy and romantic restaurant perfect for those who appreciate a unique selection of meat and fine cuisine.

Inn of the Seventh Ray is offering up a five course tasting menu dinner that includes spinach artichoke jar, house smoked yellowtail spread, roasted butternut squash, Mcgrath beets and shaved petite root vegetables, maple syrup and apple cider brined free range turkey, pumpkin pie with vanilla bean ice cream,pomegranate pie with crème fraîche, Indian pudding with ginger ice cream warm apple pie with cinnamon ice cream, maple cheesecake and more. $59 Adults, $12 Child (under 12). Add a wine pairing flight $4. Vibe: Romantic, charming, elegant and down to earth all at the same time.

GRANADA HILLS

The Odyssey is featuring a Champagne Brunch Buffet that runs throughout the day from 9 a.m. -8 p.m. The all-you- can-eat buffet features salads, a carving station, pasta and omelette station, chilled seafood station, entree station and dessert station. Adults $38.95, Children $16.95. Early Bird Special From 9 a.m. – 10 a.m, take $5 off. Vibe: This large restaurant, known for its buffets, is perfect for those with large and diverse appetites.

SHERMAN OAKS

Cafe Bizou is making it easy. Order off the menu or enjoy a three course dinner includes a choice of soup, salad or appetizer (tuna tartar or stuffed mushrooms); choose either a traditional turkey dinner, macademia nut crusted salmon, or Surf and Turf with petite filet mignon and jumbo shrimp; dessert choices are flourless chocolate cake, tiramisu, pumpkin pie or sorbet trio. Adults $28.95, children 12 and younger $12.95. Vibe: Casual/nice French style restaurant perfect for a family.

Mistral will serve from 2 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Start with an amuse of grilled shrimp and Mistral signature cheese puff, followed by your choice of mushroom soup, kabocha squash and sweet potato ravioli, or endive and arugula aalad. Entree choices are free range turkey breast, braised leg and thigh or Niman Ranch bone-in rib eye steak. Share (Family Style) mashed potato, roasted sweet potato with marshmallows, brussels sprout, freuilleté of wild mushrooms, fresh apple-cranberry chutney. Indulge in chocolate soufflé, classic tarte tatin or pecan tart for dessert. $60 per person. Vibe: Upscale, dark, sophisticated bistro found in Paris.

Valley Inn Restaurant and Bar is cooking up a traditional Thanksgiving three course dinner from 3-9 p.m. (or order from the regular menu). Choose from a garden salad or homemade soup of the day, followed by choice of entree: roasted turkey with apple bread stuffing served with homemade mashed potatoes, orange glazed yams, green beans with toasted almonds and cranberry relish or baked honey glazed ham with raisin rum sauce and Served with homemade mashed potatoes, orange glazed yams, green beans with toasted almonds. The featured dessert is homemade pumpkin pie. Coffee included. $28.95 per person. Children’s (11 years old and younger) Traditional roasted turkey $14.95, penne pasta with marinara sauce $7.95 ,mini hot fudge sundae $4.95. Vibe: Old school, classic comfort, a newly decorated dining room full of cozy booths and a real deal bar.

STUDIO CITY

Bistro Garden is preparing a special menu from 2 p.m to 8 p.m. The three course meal will start off with corn and pumpkin breads, followed by a choice of roasted corn chowder; romaine, roasted beets, pears, pine nuts and feta cheese with house vinaigrette; butternut squash ravioli. Choose from main courses of roast turkey , grilled filet mignon, or Atlantic salmon. Dessert choices are the famous chocolate or pumpkin soufflé with whipped cream, warm pecan tart with vanilla ice cream or cranberry and pear sorbet . Coffee and tea are included. $62 per adult, $38 Children 12 and under. Vibe: Old world elegance and fine dining accompanied by a pianist in the most beautiful dining room in the San Fernando Valley.

The Sportsmen’s Lodge Events Center is celebrating their annual tradition bigger and better this year with an expansive carving station filled with turkey and various meat options, plus specialties such as pan roasted salmon, short ribs, chicken roulade, fresh pasta sautéed to order; sides and savories, including grilled asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes, mashed potatoes, candied yams, brussel sprouts, and winter squash soup, plus an array of desserts. Adults $36.95; Children ages 5-9 $14.95; Children under 5 years, free; Seniors 20% Discount (60 years or older). Vibe: This historical 818 dining destination has been modernized and updates, including the new River Rock Lounge.

TARZANA

Chablis Food + Wine will serve special dishes to make up your own menu which include gorgonzola and pear ravioli, grilled asparagus salad, pumpkin soupe, slow braised short rib, sage roasted turkey, pan seared bass, half roasted bone in chicken , herb crusted roast of prime rib and more. Vibe: A nice, casual restaurant that can be romantic or family oriented.

Kravings will carve ten kinds of steaks, chicken, lamb and salmon at your table. Enjoy the “global fusion” salad bar filled with soups, vegetables, pasta, potatoes, sushi and more. It’s all-you-can eat for $29.95 . Add bottomless wine or champagne for $9.95. Children under 10 are half price. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Vibe: A bustling modern steak house with choices for all ages and palates.

UNIVERSAL CITY

California Canteen is offering special dishes for Thanksgiving, alongside the regular menu. Specials include roasted pumpkin and apple bisque, crab cake salad , sage roasted turkey breast with chestnuts, sausage and herbs stuffing served with mashed sweet potatoes and cranberry pear relish, roasted pork loin with port wine sauce and mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin creme brulee and cinnamon apple tart tatin. Prices: $6-$20. Vibe: Casual neighborhood bistro where you might walk into off of a side street in Nice.

WOODLAND HILLS

The Villa (formerly Villa Piacere) is offering their regular menu as well as a traditional roasted turkey dinner. Start off with a mixed greens or caesar salad followed by fresh baked turkey, apple-walnut and raisin stuffing, seasonal vegetables, sweet potaoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce & gravy, pumpkin ie. Adults $26/Children $13. Vibe: It’s all about the beautiful patio. Perfect for family or romance.

Ruth Chris is presenting a traditional three-course meal starting with a choice of caesar salad, steak house salad and seafood gumbo. Roasted turkey breast is sliced and served with homemade gravy, Ruth’s sausage and herb stuffing and cranberry relish. Side choices include garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans or creamed spinach. Dessert is pumpkin cheesecake with vanilla ice cream. $36.95 adults, $12 children. Vibe: The original steakhouse for all ages.

Other restaurants in the 818 open on Thanksgiving Day, include: D’Cache Restaurant, Roy’s Restaurant, The Smokehouse Burbank, Larsen’s Steakhouse, Daily Grill (check locations), Bucco Di Beppo, 94th Aero Squadron, Bistro Ka, Black Angus, Gyu-Kaku, Marrakesh, Red Room Wine Bar, Vino Wine and Tapas, Hummus Bar, Itzak Hagadol, Bistro Provence.