Local Shops make our Holidays sweeter

FROM SAVORY DISHES TO DELICIOUS DESSERTS, THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN HELP TAKE THE HEADACHE OUT OF HOLIDAY FOOD PLANNING

Katie Bryant puts the finishing touches on a cranberry-pomegranate mousse pie, one of many bakery items in demand at Auspicious Baking Co. this season.
Katie Bryant puts the finishing touches on a cranberry-pomegranate mousse pie, one of many bakery items in demand at Auspicious Baking Co. this season.

A revered time for gathering and gratitude, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For many, Thanksgiving preparations involve planning and executing a hearty meal to share with loved ones. People often spend hours if not longer cooking their Thanksgiving meal, but not everyone.

Some choose to skip out on the stress of Thanksgiving cooking by having their holiday meals catered. If you’d like to join the ranks of those who are picking up their catered meals this year instead of cooking at home, consider placing your order with a local restaurant. There are several Savannah eateries offering delicious holiday meals so you don’t have to do it all yourself. Save yourself the time and spare the headache by ordering a prepared meal at one of these local restaurants.

Auspicious Baking Co.

Auspicious Baking Co. is known for some of the freshest, flakiest baked goods available in the city, which are perfect for your Thanksgiving Day feast. Sweeten your meal with one of their palate-pleasing pies. 

“We’re doing all of our staple pies. . . but we always pull out a special pie and this year, we’re trying a Cranberry and Pomegranate Mousse Pie. It’s going to be really lovely [with] . . . more of a fresh finish for your Thanksgiving dinner, as opposed to a pecan pie or an apple pie, which can be a little bit heavier after eating all that turkey. So I think the Cranberry Pomegranate Pie is going to be a lovely addition,” said Chef Katie Bryant. 

In addition to the pies, Auspicious Baking Co. is also offering a take and bake cinnamon roll special. 

“People love our cinnamon rolls with the cream cheese frosting. We usually sell hundreds of them on holidays like this. We started introducing take and bake kits, and people really love that,” she said.

Bryant encourages locals to turn to Auspicious Baking Co. for their baked good needs this Thanksgiving. 

“It’s a lot of love that we put into the product. We’ve got a huge team here putting tons of effort into getting everything together. We’re doing our best to really make everybody feel comfortable and at ease with the holiday. It can be a huge undertaking when you’re feeding a family, trying to get dinner buns made and pies in the oven and everything timed out accordingly. We just want to make things a little bit easier for everybody,” she explained. 

Thanksgiving pre ordering is available now through Sunday, Nov. 20 online at auspiciousbakingco.com/. Pick up will take place Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Cotton & Rye

Cotton & Rye is back with their Sides & Pies Thanksgiving Pop-Up, bringing bold flavors to your dinner table. Sides include traditional favorites like Green Bean Casserole and Southern Chicken and Dressing. They’re also offering inventive pies like their Browned Butter Parsnip & Pecan pie, which features a cocoa crumble crust and dark chocolate-caramel ganache. Online ordering is available daily at toasttab.com/cotton-rye/v3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. until they sell out.  (Above: Green Bean Casserole with brandied cremini mushroom, caramalized onion and house-made rye bread crumb. Instagram @cottonandrye)

Stevedore

Recently-opened bakery Stevedore is celebrating its first Thanksgiving by offering some scrumptious specialty pies and cakes that are available for preorder. Pies include the Honey Chess Pie, which is a twist on a Southern classic, the Salted Caramel Apple Pie and their indulgent Chocolate Pecan Pie. They also have a Cranberry Upside Down Cake made with fresh cranberries, candied citrus peel and cranberry glaze, which is well-suited for the holiday. Orders must be placed at least three days in advance. Visit them online at stevedorebakery.com/ to place your order. (Above, a selection of pies from Stevedore bakery)

Savannah Smokehouse

Savannah Smokehouse is known for bold barbecue throughout the year, but they’ve got some stellar Thanksgiving specials as well. Their Heat n’ Serve holiday feast serves 12 and comes with a smoked whole or sliced turkey, cornbread dressing, gravy, two sides of your choice, and pecan or pumpkin pie. You can also order the turkey on its own as well as a pan of the cornbread dressing. Email them at [email protected] to order.

Lady & Sons

The Lady & Sons is offering holiday eve catering this year. You can create a customized order by choosing from their wide array of tasty options. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance for pickup between 12 and 3 p.m. on the day before Thanksgiving. You can place your order online at ladyandsons.com. (Above, catering options for The Lady & Sons) 

There are also several restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day and ready to serve a magnificent meal to you and your loved ones. Make your reservation and prepare to dine on the holiday at one of these fine establishments.

McDonough’s

A Savannah classic, McDonough’s is hosting a special Thanksgiving feast on the holiday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They’ll be serving up turkey, ham, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, rice and beans and all the other traditional fixings of a delicious holiday meal. The meal will be buffet style, and no reservations are necessary as the food will be served on a first come, first served basis. Come hungry and leave happy with a festive holiday meal at McDonough’s.

The DeSoto Savannah

The DeSoto invites you to their traditional Thanksgiving feast in their grand Oglethorpe Ballroom. From 12- 6 p.m., guests can enjoy fresh fares, Thanksgiving classics and an abundance of sweet treats. The all-inclusive buffet is $65 per person with cocktails available at an additional cost. Families are encouraged to come and dine. Children under 5 are free, and children ages 6 - 12 are half off. If you dine with The DeSoto on Thanksgiving, you can receive complimentary valet parking as well.

Rocks on the River

Located in the Bohemian Hotel, Rocks on the River is hosting a special Thanksgiving buffet on the holiday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu consists of traditional Thanksgiving favorites, like Honey-Glazed Ham, as well as Southern-inspired staples, like Oyster Stuffing. RSVP and prepare to enjoy a memorable meal without all the labor.

Fleeting

Not a fan of turkey? No problem! Fleeting has the holiday meal for you. Their No-Turkey Thanksgiving menu has everything you love about the holiday dinner except for the traditional fowl. The prix fixe meal includes three courses for $95 per person. The menu will be served from 2 to 7 p.m. on the holiday. Reservations are recommended. 

Riverboat Cruise

Forget the ordinary and do something different this Thanksgiving. Take a riverboat cruise and enjoy a delicious holiday buffet, live music and striking views as you sail along the Savannah River. There are two cruises available on the holiday, with the first boarding at 11:30 a.m. and the second boarding at 4 p.m. Prices are $109.95 for adults, $62.95 for children ages 5-12, and free for children who are 4 and under.

Six Pence Pub

Six Pence Pub is hosting a Thanksgiving feast at the affordable price of just $39.95. The menu includes all of the traditional staples like Roasted Turkey with Gravy, Sweet Potato Souffle, Pumpkin Pie, and more. Their regular menu will also be served on the holiday. 

The Pirates’ House

The famous Pirates’ House is offering their grand Thanksgiving buffet on the holiday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prices are $52.95 for adults, $22.95 for children ages 4-12, and $5.95 for children 3 and under. The buffet includes a wide variety of salads, sides, seafood, sweets and traditional holiday staples. With so many options on the menu, there’s truly something for everyone. Call (912) 233-5757 to make your reservation. 

Belford’s

City Market eatery, Belford’s is hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner at $80 per person. The menu includes all the traditional fixings along with Southern coastal favorites like their award-winning Crab Cake & Gulf Shrimp. There are plenty of menu items to accommodate every palate this Thanksgiving. Email [email protected] to make a reservation. 

Aqua Star

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa’s Aqua Star restaurant is offering a delicious Thanksgiving feast featuring fresh, flavorful food items that are well suited for the holiday. At $85 per person, guests can enjoy a variety of garden goodies, as well as turkey and pork loin carving stations and several Savannah favorites. There will also be an assortment of pies, cakes and treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their Thanksgiving menu will be available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the holiday. 

Chart House

The Chart House welcomes you to enjoy their Thanksgiving Day menu offerings. Their all-inclusive three-course dinner is available at $55 per person. It includes a starter, a traditional turkey dinner or other entree options, and a dessert of your choice. 

Rhett

If you’re interested in a Thanksgiving Day brunch, make your reservation with Rhett. They’re offering a special holiday brunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring all of your brunch favorites along with a few festive dishes. They’re also hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. The prix fixe menu includes three courses that you can enjoy for $65. Pictured below. Instagram @diningwithrhett

Wright Square Bistro

Wright Square Bistro will be open on the holiday with a special Thanksgiving dinner available from 12 - 3 p.m. For $55 per person, guests can enjoy a three course meal with your choice of starter, entree, sides and dessert. Options include Shrimp Corn Chowder, Heritage Turkey and Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon among others. In addition to their special holiday menu, they will be offering their regular menu on Thanksgiving as well. Call (912) 238-1150 or email [email protected] to make your reservation. 

An earlier version of this article featured incorrect information about Six Pence Pub’s Thanksgiving meal pricing. This is our mistake, and it has been updated online with accurate information.