DC - thanksgiving dinner to go experiences

[wisewhisk]

hello everyone,

i'm planning to visit the dc area with my partner this upcoming thanksgiving. making thanksgiving dinner is usually one of my favorite things to do but we probably won't have the facilities nor time to cook. i've found a few past lists online regarding pre-made dinners restaurants sell. some of the most often mentioned are georgia browns, the ritz carlton and blacksalt. i was hoping to see if anyone has had first-hand experience with any to-go dinners. costs isn't too much of an issue but it'll be for a small party (~4). if you have any suggestions (or places to avoid) that would be great. we're staying in capitol hill if that makes a difference.

thanks,

tom

[drewpbalzac]

It is way across town from you but Wagshall's in Spring Valley used to do a full TG dinner with all the trimmings.

If you have a car and don't mind the crazy prices - it may be worth a try.

Also Wegmans does full ready to eat dinners . . . . but again it is a haul from where you will be staying.

[Manassas64]

My sister ordered Thanksgiving Dinner from Wegmans. It was boring and tasteless. Don't waste your money.

I am the biggest fan and promoter of Wegmans, but their prepared foods are awful. I think they're afraid to season or something. It all looks good but it tastes bland.

Same thing with their desserts. Their breads are awesome and their made-to-order sheet cakes is fabulous, but their other sweet stuff leaves a lot to be desired. I think it has to do with ingredients. It's all fresh but the taste just isn't there for me.

[drewpbalzac]

I don't get prepared foods from supermarkets so I can't comment on their prepared entrees or sides. However, I have had a good number of their deserts and I think their ultimate chocolate cake is pretty freaking good. Also the Key Lime pie was as good of a version that I have had outside of Florida.

Frankly I don't see how any Thanksgiving meal that is cooked ahead of time, and held, is going to be very good. Althought the Popeyes deep fried turkey sounds like it would be fun to try.

[hill food]

if Popeye's is the choice (and I have no dog in this hunt), I don't believe every location offers deep-fried turkey. while xena said no sides, I would still include plenty of their biscuits.

[xena1441]

I know this sounds sad...but the deep fried turkey at Popeyes was awesome (skip all the sides). It was so freaking good - the 10 of us loved it and we usually have home cooked meals daily. oh, and it's the farthest thing from greasy.

[hill food]

that's not sad, I too have heard good things about Popeye's (and no mess at home). but I think you have to order at least 3-4 days ahead. same for the Inman's at the Eastern Market. expect to give a week's advance notice IIRC. call for details.

and hey, both are on the Hill.

[Milocat1]

My family (8 of us) ordered from Whole Foods and it was fabulous. You can get the turkey already cooked or prepped and seasoned and ready to cook. We went the latter route. They have all the sides (mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry relish with orange, roasted veggies, mac and cheese. etc) plus rolls. They have pies as well but we got ours from Vidalia. I was actually not that impressed with the pies so we may go the WF route for those too. We are doing this again this year.