Too late for a good turkey?

[amysuehere]

Just found out our plans for Thanksgiving fell through, so I'll be doing the cooking. Anyone know where a can pick up a nice turkey without all the injected junk this late in the game? It'll just be us two, so a smallish one would be perfect.

[Rptrane]

Call Louie Mueller in Taylor and order a smoked turkey. The skin will be a bit tough but the meat will be crazy good

[rusty_s]

Check out Sprouts--while they aren't heritage birds, they are nice and free of junk. Also fairly inexpensive. You can even reserve one online at their website.

[twyst]

Central market on north lamar are sold out of heritage turkeys (they were only allotted 7 for thanksgiving this year!!!), but you can still order free range or organic turkeys. I ordered a free range bird from them today.

[dinaofdoom]

7? were there like, 50 total to go around to all CMs? crazy!

[brentwood]

Wheatsville Co-op is also selling Richardson Farms turkeys starting 11/18. No preorder needed they say (or pre-cooked Turkeys for $60, pre-order by 11/20).

[dinaofdoom]

this morning's greenling newsletter indicates you can still order a richardson farms turkey for delivery:

Local Turkey from Richardson Farms.
If turkey is the centerpiece of your family's meal, you haven't lived until you've tried Jim Richardson's humanely treated, free-range birds, raised less than 100 miles away outside of Rockdale, TX.

Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey. $6.00 /pound, final price calculated on delivery. $30 deposit required, see the “Details” upon checkout.

To order, create a basket and choose either a medium (14-18 lb) or a large (18-24 lb) bird, then schedule it for delivery for the week of Nov 15 or the week of Nov 21. (As a limited item those are the only dates you'll be able to select.) We'll ask for a deposit to hold the reservation, and you're done!

http://www.greenling.com

[aprrel88]

I emailed Richardson Farms and got a different response...$20 deposit and $4/lb for broad breasted white turkeys or $8/lb for Heritage bronze turkeys. Is the extra charge for the delivery service?

[dinaofdoom]

well, with greenling being a delivery-only grocery, the delivery fee is pretty much built into the food cost.

$2 a pound difference is a lot when you're looking at 14-18 or 18-24 pounders.
looks like going to richardson farms directly is a much better deal.

[aprrel88]

I am also looking for a turkey, specifically a heritage or at least free-range. Did some research, and the best bet seems to be going to one of the farmers markets on the weekend and putting your name and a deposit down (that is, if there are still turkeys available). Also, Central Market might let you reserve a turkey. I would also give them or Whole Foods a call.

-----
Central Market
4477 S Lamar Blvd Ste 100, Austin, TX 78745

[rudeboy]

I reserved mine about a month ago at Richardson Farms - they have a stand at the Burnet Rd. Farmer's market. Here's their contact info:

512-446-2306 (may be long distance - they're in Rockdale)
richardsonfarms.com
[e-mail]

They also have grass fed beef, poultry, fresh eggs, etc.

[aprrel88]

Do you know if they'll accept a reservation online or only in person? I read that they want a deposit but I'm afraid if I go this weekend it'll be too late :(

[karma belle]

I was at the Monument Market next to the Monument Cafe in Georgetown last weekend, and they were still taking reservations for Richardson Farms turkeys. You will have to drive to Georgetown to retrieve it, but at least they were still offering them so close to the holiday.

[rudeboy]

I gave them cash at the market. Just call them - maybe you can do a card over the phone. Good luck!

[aprrel88]

Thanks ya'll! I've got my hopes up :)

[popvulture]

One other suggestion... email Dai Due. At the very least, Jesse can tell you where to get a good turkey (maybe even getting one through him that you could pick up at the farmer's market). Plus, I'm sure they're probably doing some kind of special, pre-prepped and ready to cook turkeys themselves.