Thanksgiving has many star dishes, depending on who you ask. For some, the turkey is the belle of the bounty. For others, the true show-stopper is green bean casserole.
We asked our team, who spends most of their days and nights on the search for good food, to weigh in. We asked them about the best dishes and treats they’ve ever had during Thanksgiving. From pecan pie to olivier salad, here are their must-eat meals and where to get them.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten on Thanksgiving?
Addie Stuber, Community Manager, New York City:
“My Mom’s Pecan Pie. My relationship with this particular pie is a bit complicated. When I was younger, I never really cared for it. As I grew older though, my palate changed. I came to appreciate the crunchy, salty texture of the pecans contrasted with the creamy, maple-infused interior. The pie pairs perfectly with a winter lager or amber ale.”
Best Pecan Pie in New York City: La Bella Torte
Sam Free, Vendor Sales, Washington DC:
“I am very picky about stuffing, but one year, my aunt made Cornbread Stuffing that was heavenly. It had cornbread bits, turkey drippings, onions, nutmeg, and cinnamon in it: it was more like a dessert than a stuffing. I have been trying to recreate it ever since but have failed each time.”
Best Stuffing in Washington DC: New Orleans PoBoy Shop
Max Blekhter, Manager, Chicago:
“My family is from Russia and always makes Olivier Salad for Thanksgiving. Olivier Salad is a medley of boiled potatoes, dill pickles, peas, eggs, carrots, and ham, in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Up until the age of 17, I thought that everybody, Russian and non-Russian alike, ate the salad for Thanksgiving. I was extremely confused when I celebrated at a friend’s house, and the dish was absent from the spread.”
Best Eastern European Salad in Chicago: Staropolska
Kevin Otte, Operations, San Francisco:
“My buddies and I get together every year for a Friendsgiving. 2013 marks our 7th annual gathering. The occasion originated in my tiny cramped apartment in college and has carried on since. We usually cook all day and have anywhere from 20 to 60 people over. Fried Turkey is the best thing we make together. The reason I love it is simple: because anything fried is automatically delicious.”
Best Fried Turkey in San Francisco: Queen’s
Lindsay Bernhardt, Vendor Sales, New York City:
“I’m a vegetarian, so for Thanksgiving, I am usually relegated to eating side dishes. These dishes need to be hearty and filling! One of the salads my Mom makes for me that I love is Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds and Arugula. She usually serves it with a maple syrup vinaigrette.”
Best Market Salad in New York City: Kitchen M
Kelsey Schmidt, Vendor Sales, San Francisco:
“Brownie Pudding is a favorite that my family always requests on Thanksgiving. It’s easy to bake, you can even make it the night before. The pudding’s consistency is amazing, because the outside generates a crispy crust, but the inside stays soft and gooey, similar to a Lava Cake but more decadent! You must try it!”
Best Mud Pie Bar in San Francisco: Mocha’s Cafe
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
