Thanksgiving in NYC - Where to eat turkey

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Ok sure, there's technically an "official," historically-endowed reason that we all give thanks on the third Thursday of November, but come on! Let's really talk turkey here: Unofficially, T-Givs is actually the annual trial of American eating-enthusiasts (cough R29 staffers). We like to think of it as something along the lines of a gourmand iron-(wo)man, where each plateful is a test of feasting fortitude.

With such serious stakes to consider, cooking is, well, out of the question — we can't waste our focus on de-coring cranberries! Nope, to minimize pre-nosh neuroses, we researched nine NYC restos with special Turkey-day menus. Only step left? Make reservations!

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Maison Premiere :
This seafood-focused Williamsburg eatery will be switching things up for the holidays. Don't worry, the raw bar will still be available, as will be the 26 varieties of Absinthe, but we'd surprised if you'll have room after the $45, three-course dinner up first.

When: Thanksgiving day, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Maison Premiere, 298 Bedford Avenue (between 1st and Grand streets), Brooklyn; 347-335-0446. To make reservations, email reservations@maisonpremiere.com.

Jane: Whoever said Thanksgiving had to be all turkey and mashed potatoes, definitely doesn't design the apps, sides, or mains at Jane. One anti-boredom, prix fixe, three-course order of Braised Beef Short Ribs, Roasted Pumpkin Risotto, and Sweet Cornbread with Cranberry Orange Relish, please! Certainly well worth the $55 ($27.50 for kids).

When: Thanksgiving day, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Jane, 100 West Houston Street (between Thompson Street and Laguardia Place); 212-254-7000.

Hill Country Barbecue Market: At Hill Country Barbecue Market, the dining's done country-style. This year they're serving up traditional dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole and Pit-Smoked Turkey with Pan Gravy, plus post-feast pies like Caramel-Apple, Pumpkin Ginger-Streusel, and Bourbon-Pecan. Want in? Order from their pick-up service before Friday, November 16th, or show up on T-day with $35 ($15 for children under 10).

When: Thanksgiving day, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Hill Country Barbecue Market, 30 West 26th Street (between Sixth Avenue and Broadway); 212-255-4544. For pickup service pricing and details, email laura@hillcountryny.com or call 646-380-5873.

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Hill Country Chicken:
Got the main meal covered, but need more sweet stuff? How do Sweet Potato Marshmallow and Apple Cheddar pies sound to you? These and more are on Hill Country Chicken's holiday pie ($43 gets you an 11" pie) and pie-cups menu, and if your order's over $75, you'll get free delivery anywhere in Manhattan!

When: Place orders by 10 p.m., Sunday, November 18.
Where: Hill Country Chicken, 1123 Broadway (at 25th Street); 212-257-6446. To place an order and get more details, call 212-257-6446 or email aking@hillcountrychicken.com.

The Meatball Shop:

Ok, so The Meatball Shop won't be open on Thanksgiving, but their holiday specials line-up gets them on this list anyway. Say hello to the "Naked Ball" combo that comes with two stuffing balls, three turkey balls with gravy and a dollop of cranberry sauce, for only $7! For sides, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Roasted Apples, Maple Pecans; Mashed Potatoes; and a Persimmon Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette. And of course, what's a Meatball Shop dinner without an ice cream sammie? Enter: Pumpkin Ice Cream with Pie Crust Cookies sandwich. Y.U.M.

When: Specials available for take-out, Monday to Sunday (except Thursday), and available in larger format with 24 hours notice.
Where: The Meatball Shop, 84 Stanton Street (at Orchard Street); 212-982-8895, 64 Greenwich Avenue (at Perry Street); 212-982-7815, & 170 Bedford Avenue (between 7th and 8th streets), Brooklyn; 718-551-0520. To place an order and get more details, catering@themeatballshop.com.

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The Smith:
The Smith — home to some criminally delicious mac & cheese — will be offering more refined flavors for the holiday. Hello Roasted Pumpkin Salad! You'll go just fine with a risotto dish boasting sage, grilled bacon, and shallots, not to mention the Roasted Turkey dinner.

When: Thanksgiving day, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Smith, 55 3rd Avenue (at 11th Street); 212-420-9800 & 956 2nd Ave (at 51st Street); 212-644-2700.

Red Rooster Harlem:
With Food Network face/NYC uber chef Marcus Samuelsson behind the updated soul food at Red Rooster Harlem, you know Thanksgiving's going to taste really, really good. We'd happily part with $55 for the three-course prix-fixe, featuring classic, yet updated dishes like Pumpkin Soup, Cinnamon Ice Cream, and Poached Cranberries.

When: Thanksgiving day, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Red Rooster Harlem, 310 Lenox Avenue (between 125th and 126th streets); 212-792-9001.

Downstairs at Ginny's Supper Club : Just downstairs from Red Rooster's Stockholm/soul food fusion, Ginny's retro supper club will serve a traditional Thanksgiving buffet for $55 per person, with live jazz on the side.

When: Thanksgiving day, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Downstairs at Ginny's Supper Club , 310 Lenox Avenue; 212-421-3821.

Saxon + Parole:
For Thanksgiving at Saxon + Parole, they're redoing the traditional chef's menu with Brad Farmerie favorite family recipes. At $75, the prix-fixe menu is stacked with good eats, like Charred Lemon Fennel paired with a gravy-topped Slow Roasted Turkey dish, and herbivores can snag the Sweet Potato Ravioli with Arugula, Wild Mushroom, and Sage Butter Sauce. For lighter fare, we'd suggest a bowl of Roasted Snapper, Clams, Eggplant and Tomato-Caper Stew — if you're worried this won't be enough, don't worry! There are eight sides (yes eight!) to scarf down before the "Tower of Treats" for desert.

When: Thanksgiving day, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Saxson + Parole, 316 Bowery (at Bleecker Street); 212-254-0350.

Photos: Courtesy of Saxon + Parole, Meatball Shop, Maison Premiere, The Smith