A working round up of the region's Turkey Day celebrations, everything from full-service sit-downs and potlucks to dancing and drinking. Dig in!
Caretta on the Gulf Forget turkey. At Caretta's feast, it's all about Florida's coastal cuisine — smoked salmon and whitefish, sea scallops, rock shrimp and more. Salads, sushi rolls, unlimited champagne and mimosas, buttermilk fried chicken, and brunch items will also be offered, and the chefs will pair the entrees with whimsical dressings like bourbon cider glaze and bacon vinaigrette. $64 for adults, $19 for children. Thu., Nov. 26, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, 727-674-4171, sandpearl.com.
Columbia Restaurant A traditional spread of items like roast turkey, stuffing based off a recipe from the Columbia's great-grandmother, sweet potato pecan casserole, giblet gravy and homemade cranberry sauce, plus hot Cuban bread and butter, pumpkin flan and key lime pie. Though reservations are encouraged, walk-ins will be accepted at the Ybor City, Sarasota, St, Augustine, Clearwater Beach and Celebration locations. $21.95 for adults, $5.95 for kids under 10. Thu., Nov. 26, 11 a.m. 2025 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961, columbiarestaurant.com.
Friendsgiving A Pair O' Dice Brewing Co. Thanksgiving Eve, with craft beer and Mmm BAP food truck grub. The brewery's Double Shooter Brown Ale — a badder version of its traditional Northern English nut brown ale — will be released, and the Shooter's Chocolate Pecan Pie will be on tap alongside a selection of beers available in growler fills for the big meal. Free, money for beer and food. Wed., Nov. 25, 4-10 p.m. 4400 118th Ave. N. #208, Clearwater, 727-755-3423, pairodicebrewing.com.
Happy Bricksgiving Celebrate the holiday with The Bricks crew. DJ Qeys, a canned food drive (four cans are good for one free drink), and a contest and prizes will be featured. Free, money for drinks and food. Thu., Nov. 26, 8 p.m. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785, thebricksybor.com.
The Hotel Zamora Get in on this nontraditional Thanksgiving picnic on the beach from the Hotel Zamora. Inside the autumn-inspired basket, couples will find oven-roasted turkey-stuffed waffle sandwiches with Grand Marnier cranberry compote, roasted butternut squash, Nueske bacon Brussels sprout salad, bottle of wine, and chocolate sea salt truffles. Call for pricing. 3701 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, 727-456-8660, thehotelzamora.com.
Let's Get Stuffed: Thanksgiving Mead Feast A four-course mead tasting — think honey baked ham and cranberry sauce meads — from Cigar City Cider and Mead maker Jared Gilbert that features a sparking hard cider as an added bonus. $25. Mon., Nov. 23, 7 p.m. 1812 N 15th St, Tampa. 813-242-6600.
The Lucky Dill Deli Herbed stuffing, roast turkey, whipped taters, green beans, challah rolls and more are up for grabs at Lucky Dill, including seconds. The meal comes with access to the unlimited dessert bar, featuring fresh sweets from the restaurant's Brooklyn Bakery. $23.95 for adults, $18.95 for kids 10 and under, free for kids 2 and under. Thu., Nov. 26, 11 a.m. 33180 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor, 727-789-5574, luckydilldeli.com.
Mad Hatters UnThanksgiving Party Bring those Tupperware full of leftovers to Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar for a late celebratory meal with friends. Plus, Black Friday means Black Label kava at the bar. Free, money for drinks. Fri., Nov. 27, 6 p.m. 4685 28th St. N., St Petersburg, 727-800-5030, madhattersteabar.com.
Pelagia Trattoria Oven-roasted turkey, prime rib, chilled crab claws, butternut squash soup, classic Italian lasagna, wild rice stuffing with dried fruit and more from Pelagia's Turkey Day buffet, as well as a dessert room with house-made pies, cakes and build-your-own ice cream sundaes inside the redesigned private dining room. One free glass of sparkling wine will be served, too. $49 for adults, $18 for kids 12 and under; after 5 p.m.: $40, $12. Thu., Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, 813-313-3235, pelagiatrattoria.com.
Sirata Beach Resort This Thanksgiving buffet highlights spicy you-peel-'em shrimp, Florida smoked fish dip, Yukon Gold potato salad, honey baked ham, wild rice and toasted pecan pilaf, assorted holiday desserts, and way more. $29.95, $24.95 for seniors, $14.95 for kids under 12. Thu., Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 888-361-0671, sirata.com.
ThanksVegan Feast Now in its 10th year, this tasty potluck-style dinner is fun and open to everyone. Children, students and seniors may enter by donation. $7 with dish for 8-plus people, $19 without dish. Thurs., Nov. 26, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church Of Tampa, 11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa. 813-758-7419. thanksvegan.com.
Wild Wednesday Southern Nights Tampa will host this night of sexy dancers to feast your eyes on. (Get it?) All-you-an-drink specials and "So You Think You Can Drag" with Jade Embers and Roxxxy Andrews will be featured. There's no cover for the pre-Thanksgiving escapades, but bring a donation for the food and toy drive to receive a complimentary shot. Free, money for drinks. Wed., Nov. 25, 8 p.m. 1401 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-599-8625, southernnightstpa.com.
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