Thanksgiving: Carving Memories

As Families, Friends Come Together For Thanksgiving 2024, Denver Rescue ­Mission, Food Bank, Many Others Need Your Help

by Glen Richardson

You gotta love Thanksgiving: Unlike Halloween, there’s nothing scary. Furthermore, unlike Christmas, there are no gifts to be purchased. Thanks­giving, of course is about expressing thanks. It’s a formal occa­sion to reflect on the year’s blessings and challenges, fostering a sense of gratitude and perspective. It’s a holiday that strengthens bonds and shared experiences among family and friends.

Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Arriving as early as Nov. 22, it can arrive as late as this year, Nov. 28. Furthermore, the holiday features fun and often free events, plus plenty of family-friendly activities. For many, it is also a once-a-year event when extended family members come together, bridging distances both geographical and emotional.

While an old-fashioned home cooked Thanksgiving is still common, in 2024, half of Americans are planning to eat out. This year 64% of respondents say they will get part or all of their holiday meal at a restaurant. Why? “It’s just easier.” Moreover, they say professionally cooked food is preferred. Many also believe it’s cheaper than buying all the ingredients to cook at home.

Dining Out Options

When this article went to press, Open­Table — the restaurant platform that helps diners make reservations and restaurants thrive — listed 10 local eateries open for Thanksgiving. Additional restaurants will announce Thanksgiving plans as the holiday draws closer.

Capital Grille: The eatery at 1250 Larimer St. is featuring slow-roasted turkey and gravy with Brioche Sage Stuffing. Also serving French Green Beans with Marcona Almonds plus Cranberry-Pear Chutney. Table is also served Sam’s Mashed Potatoes and Pecan-Crusted Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey. Serving Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert. Pre-order Oct. 31 to Nov. 7. Information: 303-539-2500.

Del Frisco’s Grille: Restaurant at 100 St. Paul St. in Cherry Creek North had not announced what was being served as this issue went to press. In past years they have served a three-course meal with roasted turkey breast. Information: 303-320-8529.

Edge Restaurant: Spend Thanksgiving at the steakhouse in the Four Seasons Hotel at 1111 14th St., serving a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 8 p.m. Appetizers include an apple Waldorf salad and raw bar. Carving station has peppercorn crusted prime rib, bourbon maple glazed ham, and turkey roulade with sage pesto, served with spiced acorn squash and sweet potato casserole. Dessert selections from the Hotel’s pastry chef include pumpkin pie parfait, an apple pie cone, or brown butter sage tart. Information: 303-389-3050.

FIRE: Restaurant in the ART Hotel at 1201 Broadway is featuring a Thanksgiving Buffet Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving all your favorites including roasted white and dark meat, sourdough stuffing, whipped potatoes with country gravy, and green beans, plus cranberry sauces, pumpkin pie, and des­serts. Information: 720-709-4431.

Local Jones: Located in the Halcyon Hotel at 248 Columbine St., restaurant is serving Thanksgiving from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Chef is doing all the cooking and baking, including two special pies: Butterscotch Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie. Information: 720-772-5022.

Toro Latin Kitchen: The Pan-Latin eatery with Asian influences in Hotel Clio at 150 Clayton Lane in Cherry Creek is serving Thanksgiving from noon to 4 p.m. From starters to desserts, you’ll enjoy the prix fixe Thanksgiving menu featuring an Achiote-marinated Turkey Breast, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and drizzl­ed with a cranberry and port wine demi-glace. Information: 303-253-3000.

Turkey Hamburgers: You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy turkey. The long- running Cherry Cricket at 2641 E. 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek North serves Turkey Burgers every day. Information: 303-322-7666.

Turkey Sandwiches: Sam’s No. 3 in Glendale at 435 S. Cherry St. serves a triple-decker Turkey Sandwich and an Open Face Hot Turkey Sandwich every day. Information: 303-333-4403.

Ditch The Turkey: Want a change from turkey this Thanksgiving? Ace Eat Serve located on the corner of 17th Ave. and Pennsylvania St. in mid-town, serves Whole Peking Duck on Thanksgiving. Information: 303-800-7705.

Turkey Day Doings

51st Mile High United Way Turkey Trot: Event is at Washington Park, Nov. 28, registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies are at 8:45 a.m., followed by the first of four start waves each half hour beginning at 9 a.m. The Lil Gobbler Family Fun Run starts at 10:40 a.m. There is also a Lil Gobbler Family Zone at the Finish Village.

Pumpkin Pie 5K & 10 K: Races are at City Park, on Saturday, Nov. 16, beginning at 9 a.m. Finishers get a slice of pumpkin pie among Thanksgiving goodies.

Gobble, Gobble, Give

Denver Rescue Mission: Expects to serve 290,000 meals this holiday season, 5% more than in 2023. Also anticipates serving more than 3,039 Thanksgiving-Banquet-in-A-­Box meals, plus serving another 1,000 meals to guests at the Mission on Thanksgiving Day. Information: 303-297-1815.

Epworth Foundation: Honoring Daddy Bruce Randolph, Foundation will pass out Thanksgiving Baskets on Nov. 17th starting at 9 a.m. More than 5,000 baskets are expected to be passed out to 40,000 individuals. Baskets weigh about 45 lbs. and are designed to feed a small family. Information: 303-296-6287.

Food Bank of the Rockies: Providing food to the largest area of the United States, volunteer or give funds. Bank procures and distributes food to more than 800 partners in Colorado-Wyoming. As the largest hunger-relief organization in the region, donations go further through partnerships. Information: 303-371-9250.

Project Angel Heart: Organizing the largest-ever Thanksgiving delivery on Wed., Nov. 27, 400 volunteers are needed. They also need volunteers on Nov. 25 to chop veggies and prepare and pack meals. Also, please donate to cover a special Thanksgiving meal. Information: 303-830-0202.

Samaritan House: Catholic Charities Shel­ter is hoping to have 15,000 turkeys donated this Thanksgiving. Another 3,000 Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box meals will be distributed. Church supplies turkeys to 140 additional churches, schools, and non-profits. A special Turkey Drive event is being held at Red Rocks Church on Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 303-294-0241.