Malibu Farm. Credit: Malibu Farm
Whether you’re visiting Miami for the holidays or a local who doesn’t want to cook a giant feast on Thanksgiving, there are plenty of places that’ll do the basting for you. Rather than slaving over a hot stove, take your brood out or host an artfully catered meal at home on November 22.
With the following pros at the helm, the pressure to roast the perfect turkey is off and you can sit back, relax and indulge, stress-free.
Malibu Farm
With both indoor and outdoor seating, this trendy waterfront establishment (at the upscale Eden Roc Miami Beach) presents a heaping helping of oceanside Atlantic views.
On Thanksgiving Day, you will be welcomed with a complimentary cranberry mimosa before indulging in an impressive $75 prix fixe meal. Chef Helene Henderson’s organic, locally driven menu will be stuffed with herb-roasted turkey with mushroom and pink peppercorn gravy, traditional brisket, maple syrup mashed sweet potatoes, vegetarian paella, and macaroni and cheese with broccoli.
For a sweet finish, choose between pumpkin chocolate bread pudding with tequila sauce or apple cranberry cake topped with whipped cream.
Habitat. Credit: Habitat
Habitat
Known for adding flavorful twists to Asian, Latin and Spanish cuisine, local chef Jose Mendin serves up a home-cooked Thanksgiving day brunch at his newest venture, located inside the eco-chic 1 Hotel South Beach.
At $90, the bountiful buffet includes your traditional omelet and bakery stations, fresh garden selections, sushi bar and specialty pastries. Kids ($45) will have a separate spread as well.
Diners can also sip on a cafecito at the retrofitted vintage trailer parked on the lush outdoor patio. While there, pick up a to-go meal — you’ll salivate over dishes like herb-marinated whole turkey, cranberry stuffing, sweet potato casserole and bourbon pecan pie — for later.
Matador Room. Credit: Matador Room
Matador Room
At this glamorous Forbes Travel Guide Recommended throwback within Four-Star The Miami Beach Edition, sample fall-time favorites like roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing and chipotle gravy, but the traditional eats pretty much stop there.
Instead, the $65 Thanksgiving prix fixe menu features raw shaved Florida red snapper, followed by a black truffle and fontina cheese pizza, and a main plate of beef tenderloin with red chili butter. You won’t find any pumpkin pie here for dessert; however, a warm Valrhona chocolate cake à la mode awaits.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed spot, head to the onsite food-hall-inspired Market, where a traditional Thanksgiving spread will be served from noon to 8 p.m.
Palme d’Or. Credit: The Biltmore
Palme d’Or
If you’re entertaining out-of-towners with discerning palates, consider a French fine-dining experience for the big day at this Four-Star signature restaurant of The Biltmore, an iconic Four-Star property in Coral Gables.
Come hungry because this four-course tasting meal ($125) from chef de cuisine Gregory Pugin is an epicurean onslaught of lavishness. Escargot with chanterelle mushrooms, seared Chilean sea bass drenched in curry madras sauce, a turkey degustation with Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin crémeux are just some of the delicious options. And whatever you do, don’t forget about the top-notch wine pairings.
The Rusty Pelican. Credit: The Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican
Known for its impressive waterfront views, this Key Biscayne classic serves a cornucopia of sumptuous choices for Thanksgiving brunch ($85) and dinner ($70).
Standout dishes include butternut squash soup with blackened shrimp, maple-roasted turkey with cornbread and apple sausage stuffing, and pineapple-glazed pork with rosemary polenta and corn relish. Wash it all down with a seasonal specialty cocktail (The Peach 4 Giving) made with passion fruit vodka and peach puree.
At brunch, you’ll find made-to-order eggs alongside exquisite holiday favorites, such as whole roasted turkey and chipotle honey ham, at the carving stations.
Save room for treats in the form of tasty pumpkin pie, apple tarts and other mini wonders.
