Photo: Dear Miss Mermaid

Light meat or dark?

Are you starting to tire of the traditional Thanksgiving celebrations--the predictable turkey and mashed potatoes, the same boring compliments about the food? Here are a few of the strangest ideas we've found for serving a turkey--guaranteed to spice up this year's festivities, stimulate dinner table conversation, and annoy those stuffy relatives you've never liked.

5. BIKINI TURKEY
Now your Thanksgiving turkey can not only be delicious, it can even be sexy. A little well-placed foil can turn your bird into an object of desire (or at least amusement) and chase away the winter chill. For instructions on how to make one of your own, visit Dear Miss Mermaid.

More »

We've got all your Thanksgiving resources right here.

D-I-Y Thanksgiving
Already complaining about how much meal prep you have to do? Then read about how Florence and Dave Minar of Cedar Summit Dairy have churned butter, killed a turkey, and grown their own wheat in preparation for Thursday's all-local feast. (courtesy Pioneer Press)

Is 2010 the year of Baconsgiving?
After The Hot Dish sipped bacon soda, we decided, eh, maybe not.

5 Great Take-Home Thanksgiving meals
Why cook when you can let Lucia's Brasa, or Kowalski's do it for you?

More »

Andrew 94/ Flickr

All the food, none of the hassle

Yes, you could spend all day on Thanksgiving preparing an elaborate meal, fighting with the turkey, pouring over recipes, slaving over side dishes, and stressing about when the turkey will be done and whether the green beans are overcooked.

Or, you could find a nice restaurant and let other people cater to you--and probably for not much more money.

Not that we're trying to influence you, but if the latter idea sounds appealing, the folks at the online-reservation site Open Table have helpfully compiled a list of many local restaurants that are planning to celebrate Thanksgiving in style with traditional turkey dinners and fixings, and in many cases their regular menus as well. Here's a rundown of popular local restaurants and what they're planning for Turkey Day.

More »

Sit back and let the professionals worry about pleasing Aunt Mabel's picky palate

Balmy temperatures notwithstanding, the holidays are nearly upon us. Thanksgiving is a mere two weeks and change away, and it's decision time. Who will host? What will you make? And for god's sake, whose idea was it to include the in-laws this year? Relax. This Thanksgiving you can add not having to do the dishes or worry about having enough vegetarian options to the list of things you're thankful for. A wide variety of Twin Cities restaurants are serving Thanksgiving feasts of their own, and there's plenty of room at the table for you and yours. Read on for the Thanksgiving dinner restaurant roundup.

More »

Only three days left--what did your mother tell you about procrastinating?

Still looking for a few ideas for Mother's Day on Sunday? Rachel Hutton has her picks here for the five best brunches for mom. And Open Table has helpfully provided dozens of other suggestions. Here are a few of the most enticing:

Azia-Anemoni Sushi & Oyster Bar: Two-for-one bloody Marys on Mothers Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the patio. Offerings include a Filipino Salad with cashews and steak.

B.A.N.K: Gourmet brunch buffet for $29.95.

More »

Totally scoured the Easter candy wall at the Midtown Rainbow for the new chocolate covered Peeps, but no go. Not yet at least. They'll be coming in both milk and dark chocolate flavors, apparently in chick version only. The Huffington Post compiled a couple early reviews, one of which sums it up as "not that far off from eating a Valomilk, Mallo Cup, or another cheap drugstore candy," and another that characterizes them as "far lighter and less latexy than I experience with Peeps." Mmm, latexy. We have just one question: Will the Pi Press (and the Washington Post) allow them entry into their annual Peeps diorama contests?

Anyone out there seen the little guys in the cities yet?

After 145 years, conversation hearts of your youth--and the youths of your great-grandparent's youths--are disappering as NECCO "upgrades" its formula. Some Facebookers are crying blasphemy, but I, for one am thrilled: those chalky little bastards tasted no better than the original NECCO wafer discs.

More »

You just realized Valentine's Day is approaching: Do you still have time to treat your sweetheart to a fancy dinner? Yes, but be prepared to eat early or late, or to celebrate the day on Friday instead of Sunday. Open Table has compiled a list of several popular eateries with special plans for the big weekend, and we've checked on their availability. Here are 12 great choices, with a few notes on the restaurants with limited openings.

More »

We've started getting inundated with Valentine's Day menus here at Hot Dish, so we're publishing a few of 'em in case you're looking for ideas on how to wine and dine your sweetie this year. From steaks to slyders--yes, seriously, you could celebrate VD at White Castle!--there's something for any taste and budget.

1. 20.21 Restaurant & Bar
Valentines Tasting Menu for Two offered February 9-13

Amuse Chef's Choice

1st Course
Indonesian Steak Tartar/Sweet Chili Sauce
Baby Beets/Pistachio/Lemon

2nd Course
Tandoori Arctic Char/Bengali Tomato
Pork Potstickers/Black Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Main Course
Roasted Scallops/Pineapple Sambal
Grilled Mongolian Lamb Chops

Dessert
Chocolate Cream Puff
Coffee Soda Float

$80 per person
Wine Pairing $35
Reservations: 612.253.3410

More »

​(Photo by anemoneprojectors)

More »