336964 Wed Oct 25 02:21:59 -0700 2006 14 10 Florida 0 1970478 This will be our first T-day in Tampa, and heck if I'm cooking for a crowd. Any recommendations for good T-day dinners in the greater Tampa Bay area? We went to the Belleview Biltmore for Christmas brunch last year, but I was not impressed. We'd prefer to avoid standard hotel brunch fare and opt for a restaurant that does the holiday right with traditional fare made with flair. Our best T-day meal ever was at Marisol in New Orleans (I hope it's survived Katrina--it's a great place), and we'd love to find a place locally that isn't afraid of inventive twists on holiday standards. We wouldn't mind traveling to Sarasota or environs for the right place. Suggestions, anyone? Wed Oct 25 02:21:59 -0700 2006 13413 laurie 1 1972903 i think the columbia does thanksgiving but i don't know what it serves. you can check online. Wed Oct 25 23:35:24 -0700 2006 1970478 19119 Tandoori Girl 2 5170030 The Columbia features its normal menu, along with a thanksgiving option: The Gonzmart family invites you and your family to join us for a traditional Thanksgiving feast of Roast Vermont Turkey, Columbia stuffing, fresh vegetables, whipped potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and giblet gravy. Dinner also includes a choice of Columbia soups or Caesar salad. Beverages include your choice of Coffee, Tea or Soft Drinks. The complete dinner menu is also available all day. We will begin serving at 11 a.m. The cost is $19.95 for adults and $5.95 for children under 10. Tue Nov 10 09:03:38 -0800 2009 1972903 13633 andy huse 3 5173891 Hey, Andy! Since I started this post a few years back, the Columbia has become our go-to resto on Christmas Day for their melt-in-your-mouth lechon with all the trimmings. Congrats on your book and your launch party tonight! I'm looking forward to reading it. Wed Nov 11 15:11:22 -0800 2009 5170030 13413 laurie 1 1973007 Castaway on the Causeway puts out a decent Thanksgiving extravaganza... We did it twice... It was great, with the only neg being that in the effort to not let the turkey's white meat dry out, they undercooked the dark---my favorite parts... It was a bummer, but the spread is amazing... Prime rib carver, omelet bar, Ham, Smoked Salmon, Turkey, tons of other stuff, tons of desserts... Bad thing is that you get full fast at these things... Man, after typing this, I'd go now if I could... They do a Sunday brunch that's 'similar', just not holiday themed... Thu Oct 26 00:21:55 -0700 2006 1970478 10783 Mild Bill 1 1973253 Thanks, Bill. We tried out the Castaway brunch a few weeks ago and unfortunately, we were disappointed with the quality of the food. Not only was it pretty unimaginative, but the meats were overcooked and the other offerings just generally lacked flavor. I don't think we'll be back. Thu Oct 26 02:22:41 -0700 2006 1970478 13413 laurie 1 1973730 Yeah.... It wasn't SO bad when we went for the Thanksgiving thing, but I knew it could've been better. So--- I'm keeping my eye on this thread... Thu Oct 26 12:34:14 -0700 2006 1970478 10783 Mild Bill 1 1979248 Cafe Alma, in downtown St Pete, has great food. They just sent me an email outlining what looks to be a very traditional Thanksgiving dinner, 39.99 pp, open that day from 2-7 PM, phone is (727) 502-5002. http://www.cafealma.com/index.html Sat Oct 28 13:15:21 -0700 2006 1970478 14166 joan 1 1979288 Oooooooh, what a place! Sat Oct 28 14:26:20 -0700 2006 1970478 10783 Mild Bill 1 1980613 Thanks for the tip, Joan! I've read good things about Cafe Alma; this just might be the occasion to check it out! Sun Oct 29 13:28:45 -0800 2006 1970478 13413 laurie 1 4154653 Does anyone have any similar suggestions for now? I called Alma and they are closed on thanksgiving. bummer! i've been there and it's good. Thanks! Thu Nov 06 16:40:31 -0800 2008 1970478 237881 freshkat 2 4155130 Bern's? Pane Rustica? Thu Nov 06 20:25:13 -0800 2008 4154653 93147 Miss E 1 5157767 maggiano's is doing thanksgiving $33 in the dining room for family style and $30 in the party room buffet I think Thu Nov 05 07:12:58 -0800 2009 1970478 168535 annemarie07 1 5157891 I hvnt been in a couple of years but the Thanksgiving Day(& Mother's Day!) buffett at CK's used to be very good. Turkey, ham, crab legs, everything you could think of and much better quality than Castway's in my opinion. Thu Nov 05 07:58:55 -0800 2009 1970478 218483 TampaNativeThatLovesNYC 1 5173970 So is the Columbia the way to go this Thankgsgiving? My family is looking to do the meal outside the home this year, food is plus, but so is atmosphere and something under $30 per person. Any other suggestions for a first time dining out in Tampa for T-day?? Wed Nov 11 15:34:36 -0800 2009 1970478 17583 rshally