Restaurants offer stress-free turkey day dining

Enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving dinner without the hassles of cooking and cleaning up may be easier than ever this year. Two Wasilla-area restaurants will be serving buffet dinners that day. Settlers Bay Lodge, a longtime favorite among local foodies, will offer two options for holiday dining. There is a family-style take-and-bake menu featuring dinner packages for either two, six, or 12 guests that can be pre-ordered, although the last day to order is Monday, Nov. 23. Pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 25.

The take-out dinner includes traditional offerings. There is a 6- to 8-pound turkey with the six-person package, and a 12- to 16-pound turkey for the larger package. Side dishes include cranberry sauce, gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, country stuffing, rolls, salad and, of course, pumpkin pie.

There is limited availability for Thanksgiving take-out. Orders can be placed online through the “order online” link at www.settlersbaylodge.com.

If onsite dining is more appealing, Settlers Bay will open its doors at noon and serve a buffet dinner until 6 p.m. The buffet spread will have everything from the take-out menu, plus several additional starters, mains, sides, and desserts. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 907-357-5678.

Closer to town, Chop House at Lake Lucille, sister restaurant to Settlers Bay Lodge, will reprise its popular Thanksgiving buffet that it debuted in its inaugural outing last year. Service is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Joshua Broda, chef/owner of both restaurants, said reservations maxed out last year, and it appears both eateries are headed for capacity again this year.

“We are filling up quickly,” he said. “People need to make their reservations soon.”

In addition to turkey and gravy on the Chop House buffet, there will be a smoked pit ham with caramelized root beer glaze, Alaskan salmon with dill beurre blanc, and house-smoked beef brisket with Texas barbecue sauce. A carving station will feature roast prime grade ribeye au jus with creamed horseradish. There will also be a seafood station, with shrimp and oysters, as well as a multitude of side dishes, salads, and desserts.

To reserve a table at Chop House, call 907-885-3225.

“People can expect a wide selection of traditional Thanksgiving foods, as well as each location’s unique twists on classic fare,” Broda said. “Spend more time with your family and less time shopping and doing dishes.”