T minus 20 days until the good people of America consume copious amounts of turkey and pie before sinking into the couch in a tryptophan coma whilst families argue in the distance and football sounds drift hazily throughout in this hypothetical scene that makes us question all that it means to be American.
Alternatively, T-20 days before you head to L'Appart for the Michelin starred-take on roasted stuffed turkey and cranberry chutney.
Both fine options. Either way, it's T-a mere few seconds until we disclose the finest places in New York to acquire turkey and sides, should your mom's/grandma's/girlfriend's mom's/friend Hank's house not be an option.
We're not saying Eleven Madison Park's chicken velouté with black truffles is better than whatever whoever's family has in store, but it's probably better than whatever whoever's family has in store.
So grab a friend or two (definitely not more than 5), these are the 12 places that get our stamp of approval for this year's Friendsgiving...
The Eddy
Tryptophan Presentation: Roast turkey with sage.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: A tie between the cornbread canelé with apple butter and the cranberry port gelée.
Let's See a Menu: Sure.
Save Room For: The pain d'epice with pear sorbet.
$85 with optional $50 wine pairing, 342 E 6th St (at 1st), 646-895-9884, reservations here
Eleven Madison Park
Tryptophan Presentation: Roasted turkey with caramelized apple and chestnut stuffing.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Marinated fluke with grapes and crimini mushroom.
Save Room For: The sweet potato tart with chestnuts and maple ice cream.
$245, 11 Madison Ave (between 24th and 25th), reservations here
Maison Premiere
Tryptophan Presentation: Sliced turkey breast alongside a crispy leg confit and Umbrian stuffing.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Foie torchon with fig compote and chamomile-infused granola.
Let's See a Menu: Here's that.
Bonus: They're doing a la carte oysters until 1am.
$75, 298 Bedford Ave (between Grand and S 1st), 347-335-0446 ext. 201, reservations here
Hearth
Tryptophan Presentation: Poached turkey breast and braised thigh with turkey gravy.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Autumn squash soup with citrus yogurt and spices.
Let's See a Menu: Okay.
$98 with optional $42 wine pairing, 403 E 12th St (at 1st), 646-602-1300, reservations here
Root & Bone
Tryptophan Presentation: Fried turkey breast and smoked turkey leg with cornbread stuffing and gravy.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Biscuits with honey-roasted chicken jus.
Let's See a Menu: Here here.
$75, 200 E 3rd St (at Ave B), reservations here
L'Appart
Tryptophan Presentation: Roasted stuffed turkey with oven-baked carrots and gravy.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Honey-glazed parsnips.
Let's See a Menu: Sure.
Bonus: You're positioned rather well for an after-dinner walk along the Hudson River.
$150 with optional $90 wine pairing, 225 Liberty St (at South End Ave), reservations here
Celestine
Tryptophan Presentation: Wood-roasted turkey with sage gravy.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Yam casserole with brûléed marshmallow and grapefruit.
Let's See a Menu: Right here.
Bonus: You're positioned rather well for an after-dinner walk along the East River.
$78 for three courses, 1 John St (between Adams and Pearl), reservations here
The Dutch
Tryptophan Presentation: Organic roast turkey with rich gravy and oyster mushrooms.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Spoonbread stuffing with andouille sausage and green peppers. But also the truffle gnocchi with parmesan and beef jus.
Let's See a Menu: Here.
$125, 131 Sullivan St (at Prince), 212-677-6200, reservations here
The Loyal
Tryptophan Presentation: Free-range turkey breast and stuffed leg with craisin compote.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Either the pumpkin ravioli with shiitake consume or the bacon-wrapped endives.
Let's See a Menu: Behold.
$75, 289 Bleecker St (between Barrow and Jones), 212-488-5800, reservations here
The NoMad
Tryptophan Presentation: Roasted turkey served alongside butternut squash, parsnip écrasé and chestnut.
Likely Unnecessary Turkey Alternative: Bone marrow-crusted beef with beets and rye.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Foie gras torchon with smoked apples, sunflower seeds and fall spices.
$155, 1170 Broadway (at W 28th), for reservations call 347-472-5660
Balthazar
Tryptophan Presentation: Your classic free-range roasted turkey, light and dark meat both present and accounted for.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Roasted kabocha soup with smoked pepper crème fraîche.
Let's See a Menu: A menu.
Save Room For: The Chestnut Napolean.
$72, 80 Spring St (at Crosby), 212-965-1414, reservations here
Dirty French
Tryptophan Presentation: Roasted turkey with braised leg blanquette.
Most Highly Anticipated Side: Bourguignon grilled oysters and/or the "dirty stuffing."
Bonus: The Ludlow Hotel's lobby lounge works well for a post-feast night-cap by the fireplace.
$95, 180 Ludlow St (between Houston and Stanton), reservations here
