As November began, the remnants of the warm Halloween faded quickly into the kind of cold that beckoned me to pull my sweaters out, cook a pot of soup and put on Taylor Swift's "'Tis the Damn Season."
It truly doesn't feel like it's been a year since I last wrote this column. Each year, right before Thanksgiving, Free Times publishes a list of caterers and restaurants around Columbia offering pre-order meals and those open for business on Turkey Day.
So, as the weather gets milder and restaurants began announcing their menus for this Thanksgiving season, there's plenty of great options to choose from — two of the options come from James Beard nominated restaurateurs while others come from regional chains with a long history of providing solid turkey day treats. Let's get into it.
Think we missed someone? Let us know by emailing hannahw@free-times.com
Pick Up Items
Chophouse of Chapin
105 A Ellett Rd., Ste 104, Chapin (803) 723-2351 chophouseofchapin.com
If you're looking to feed a lot of folks this Thanksgiving, Chophouse of Chapin might be the place. The restaurant will offer a 14 pound smoked turkey for $79, along with $25 sides to feed four to six people. Sides include mac n cheese, green bean casserole and cornbread stuffing. Orders must be placed by Nov. 15 and will be available for pickup from Nov. 20 through Nov. 22. Pre-orders can be placed online by visiting chophouseofchapin.com and clicking the "Order Online" button or by calling 803-723-2351.
City Grit
707 Gervais St. (803) 828-9489 citygritmarket.com
It's safe to say that City Grit restaurateurs Sarah Simmons, Aaron Hoskins and Elie Yigo know a thing or two about preparing a great Thanksgiving meal. Not only have Hoskins and Simmons been featured in The Wall Street Journal for their expertise on the subject, the trio was nominated this year for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards. They'll offer the turkey and all the fixins' this year, per usual. The full order will run you $350 and feeds six to eight adults, while the half order is $225 and feeds three to four adults. The eatery also offers wine packages with bottles from the cellar. Pick up happens Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Orders can be placed by visiting citygritmarket.com and clicking "Order Online."
Home Team BBQ
700 Harden St. (803) 724-3900 hometeambbq.com
The Charleston-based barbecue restaurant, with locations stretching all the way to Aspen, Colo., has plenty of options for your holiday party. There's the family package, which feeds four to six people and, for $158, comes with both smoked turkey and ham along with sides like cornbread stuffing and mashed sweet potatoes. Or, if you just want a few sides, there's a build your spread option. Half pan sides will run you $60 and you can even purchase the eatery's barbecue sauces to go. Orders can be placed for hot items or cold ones. Orders must be placed with a 72-hour notice and will be available for pick up from Nov. 15 until Nov. 22. More information can be found at hometeambbq.com/catering.
Kaminksy's Dessert Cafe
930 Gervais St., 803-550-9979 kaminskys.com
The well-loved dessert spot in the Vista has many beautiful pies, cakes and cheesecakes. They've even got gluten-free goods available. You can order online at kaminskys.com or in person. They require 48 hours notice, but with so many cakes and pies available, you can't go wrong.
Lil House of Pizza Dinners & Catering
6903 St. Andrews Rd. Suite 3 (803) 851-4081 lilhouseofpizza.com
You might know them from their work at Soda City, where they serve some of the best NY-style pizza in town from a food truck, but owners Tom and Jen Sedio do much more than just pizza. This year, like last, they'll offer a holiday menu featuring options that can feed groups from two to 10 people. They've got you covered with sides like deviled eggs and spinach and artichoke dip. The turkey feasts range from $75 to $250. A $50 deposit is required when placing an order and orders must be placed a week prior to Thanksgiving, with pick up on Wednesday, Nov. 22 evening or Thursday morning. The full menu can be found at lilhouseofpizza.com and orders can be placed by calling (803) 851-4081 or emailing smallcaterings@gmail.com.
Maurice's Piggy Park
Multiple locations around Columbia. 803-796-0220 piggiepark.com
The barbecue chain with nine operating spots around the Midlands will have a slew of sides available for pickup and delivery, as well as smoked or fried turkey and ham. Place your order online or call 1-800-MAURICE.
Midwood Smokehouse
702 Cross Hill Rd., (803) 764-1231 midwoodsmokehouse.com.
Whether you're looking for just the meat or you want all items covered, the barbecue chain just off Garner's Ferry has plenty to choose from. You can get the whole bird or just a few pounds. They also have sauce available by the pint or quart. Pick up will happen Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Orders can be placed at midwoodsmokehouse.com.
Parabellum Mobile Eats
Food truck/Pick up at Columbia Craft Brewing. (803) 563-8269 facebook.com/ParabellumMobile
I know what you're thinking: "What could a food truck that serves mostly bar food know about a Thanksgiving feast?" And I'd stop you right there. Both of the food truck's owners, Josh Rogerson and Alex Runyan, spent years in fine dining before opening their mobile operation late last year. Their Thanksgiving menu features items like Bacon Gouda Mac & Cheese and French Onion Soup Gravy. The process is quite easy — send an email to admin@parabellumsc.com or give them a call at (803) 563-8269. Get your preorder in by Nov. 17 and pick it up at Columbia Craft Brewing Company on Nov. 22 from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The full menu can be found at facebook.com/ParabellumMobile.
A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen
2338 Main St., (803) 253-7889 apeaceofsoul.com.
As more and more people choose to adopt a plant-based lifestyle, the traditional Thanksgiving offerings get more complicated. If you fit into this category — or are trying to accommodate loved ones who do — you'll find no better option for vegan holiday cuisine than A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen. They'll have you set with tasty, meat-free "chicken" and "ribs" along with a handful of sides. Orders must be placed by Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. and pick up will be on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. You can preorder at apeaceofsoul.com.
Poogan's Southern Kitchen
4605 Forest Dr. Suite #1 (803) 745-8220 pooganskitchen.com
The Charleston-based chain in Forest Acres will offer the traditional spread. You can pick from turkey or prime rib and a handful of classic sides like dressing and potatoes. The eatery gives the option to purchase individual items or buy the whole spread. One pound of turkey is $20 and one pound of prime rib is $40. All items will be packed and given heat-and-serve instructions. Pre-order must be done by Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. and pick up will happen the day before Thanksgiving on Nov. 22. Place an order at pooganskitchen.com/holiday-meals.
Spotted Salamander Cafe & Catering
1531 Richland St. (803) 556- 2197 spottedsalamandercatering.com
When I talked with Jessica Shillato, chef-owner of Spotted Salamander, about her nomination as Best Chef: Southeast in this year's James Beard Foundation awards, she told me she likes to "make food nostalgic." Her catered Thanksgiving meal is sure to bring you back to your grandmother's table this year. She offers favorites like her Spiced Pecan and Pimento Cheese ball and Grown-up Mac N Cheese. Her popular sides are already selling out, so please a preorder soon at spottedsalamandercatering.com. Pick up will be Nov. 21 and Nov. 22.
The War Mouth
1209 Franklin St., 803-569-6144 thewarmouth.com
The Cottontown laidback southern food joint will offer whole turkeys and a small handful of sides like mac n' cheese and sweet potato casserole. Orders can be made by calling the restaurant or sending an email to thewarmouth@gmail.com. Pick up will take place Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Visit either facebook.com/thewarmouth or thewarmouth.com for more information.
Go Out
Below is a list of restaurant's that are open for the Thanksgiving holiday. Be sure to check restaurant hours prior to visiting. Think we missed someone? Let us know by emailing hannahw@free-times.com.
- California Dreaming
- MOA Korean BBQ
- Columbo's
- Lizard's Thicket
- Maurice's Piggie Park
- Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse
- Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
