Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
November 23, 2015 1:00 a.m.
We at the Fernandina Observer wish you and yours a good Thanksgiving Day. We are grateful for many things, including our families and friends, our community and nation, and the people who help keep us all secure and free. We are also grateful for you, our loyal readers.
So whether you choose to spend parts of this special holiday in a place of worship, sharing a feast with family and friends, gathered round the 55” screen for a football game, or battling the crowds for Christmas shopping bargains, we wanted to pass along our best wishes as well as some holiday food tips.
First of all, if you haven’t yet decided what to cook, thanks to the Food Network, we send along a link to a variety of menus for you to consider: http://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-menus.html
If cooking is not your thing, or if a surprise holiday visit from friends or family has caused you to scratch your plans to enjoy a bucket of wings and a six-pack in front of the football game on your big screen TV, check out one of the local restaurants that will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner. This list was compiled by the Amelia Island Convention and Visitor Bureau on November 10. Options around the island, from within range of ocean breezes to the charm of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach:
BARBARA JEAN’S – (904) 277-3700 9600, 30 Gateway Boulevard (Traditional Southern fare in casual setting)
BARBERITO’S (904) 277-2505, 1519 Sadler Rd (Fast casual burritos and other Southwestern staples)
DAVID’S RESTAURANT – (904) 310-6049, 802 Ash Street (Fine dining)
GOLF CLUB OF AMELIA – (904) 277-8015, 4700 Amelia Island Parkway (Casually relaxed dining in golfside clubhouse)
HORIZONS – (904) 321-2430, 5472 First Coast Highway (Continental flair, seafood and vegetarian options)
JACK & DIANE’S – 904-321-1444, 708 Centre Street (Casual cafe with eclectic menu, dog-friendly patio)
PABLO’S MEXICAN GRILL – 904-261-0049 12 North 2nd Street (Mexican cantina fare with outdoor courtyard)
SURF RESTAURANT & BAR – 904-261-5711 3199 South Fletcher Avenue (Laid-back dining across from the beach)
Additionally, island resorts are offering Thanksgiving Day dining choices:
Thanksgiving Brunch at Sunrise Café
Enjoy traditional holiday favorites, live music, and our delicious Art of Breakfast buffet. Cost is $55 per adult, $24 per child. 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Reservations can be made through opentable.com or by calling (904) 432-1467.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Verandah
Choose a traditional Turkey Day feast or take a nontraditional approach with a selection of delicious offerings from the culinary team at Verandah. Options include jumbo shrimp cocktail, pumpkin and apple salad, sous vide N.Y. Strip, crab-crusted grouper and more. $55 per adult and $24 per child. For reservations call (904) 432-1467 or book through OPENTABLE.COM.
- Marche Burette – 904-491-4834
- Sunrise Café – 800-684-9999
- Verandah – 800-684-9999
- Oceanside – 800-684-9999
- Falcon’s Nest – 904-491-4242
THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND
Thanksgiving Grand Feast
Celebrate Thanksgiving with an elaborate culinary presentation of traditional Thanksgiving favorites accompanied by live jazz music. The scrumptious buffet includes citrus poached shrimp, shrimp and grits, roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, beef medallions and an endless array of desserts. Children will enjoy cookie decorating and holiday inspired crafts and games. Held from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Price: $105 per adult and $45 for children, including service charge. Reservations requested.
Salt Thanksgiving Experience
The acclaimed oceanside fine dining restaurant features a four-course Thanksgiving menu with dishes that include seared tuna, roasted turkey breast, braised short ribs, and the decadent Pumpkin Spiced Soufflé. Allow Chef de Cuisine Rick Laughlin and his culinary team takes your palate on an excursion it will never forget. 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. $135 per adult | $175 paired with wines | $45 per child 12 and younger, call (904) 277-1087.
We invite our readers to submit other suggestions for holiday dining at home or around the island. We welcome your comments!
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Thank you for keeping us informed……
Yum Yum Yum….Thank you!!!