Looking for a twist on your traditional Thanksgiving feast? Look no further than Il Fornaio in San Jose, California. This Italian restaurant serves a Turkey Day meal that'll make you say "grazie" instead of "gobble gobble."
Location: 302 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Mama Mia, That's a Spicy Turkey!
Okay, maybe not spicy, but Italian-inspired. Il Fornaio is offering a four-course Thanksgiving menu that'll have you loosening your belt faster than you can say, "Pass the pasta." For $59 per adult and $25 for kids 12 and under, you'll get a more satisfying feast than finding the perfect parking spot at the mall on Black Friday.
The Main Event: A Turkey Tango
The show's star is the "Tacchino Arrosto Tradizionale" - fancy Italian for "traditional roasted turkey." But this isn't your grandma's dry bird. Il Fornaio's turkey comes with all the fixings: bread stuffing that'll stuff you silly, cranberry sauce not from a can (fancy!), and turkey gravy that'll make you want to lick your plate (please don't, though).
Side Dishes That Steal the Spotlight
Move over, boring mashed potatoes! Il Fornaio's sides are here to party. You'll get smoother mashed potatoes than your uncle's pickup lines, baked yams sweeter than your aunt's cheek pinches, and haricots verts that'll make you forget you're eating vegetables on holiday.
Soup's On!
Start your meal with a bowl of "Zuppa di Zucca"—butternut squash and potato soup topped with a Grana Padano cheese crouton. It's like fall in a bowl, minus the raking leaves part.
Salad: Because We're Pretending to Be Healthy
Next up is the "Insalata Invernale" - a fancy winter salad with frisee, radicchio, and endive. It's got walnuts, grapes, and gorgonzola cheese, all dressed up in champagne vinaigrette. It's so fancy, it might make you want to put on a monocle while eating it.
Sweet Finale: Pumpkin Pie With a Twist
Cap off your meal with "Torta di Zucca Con Gelato"—pumpkin pie with a makeover. It comes with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, so why have one dessert when you can have three?
Wine Not?
Il Fornaio features premium wines from Marchesi Antinori Estates. From Chardonnay to red blends, these wines pair perfectly with turkey and family drama.
Can't Make It? Take It Home!
If you'd rather eat in your stretchy pants at home, Il Fornaio's got you covered with their Thanksgiving Feast To Go. For $59 per person (minimum of 4), you can get the whole shebang to enjoy in your home. Pick it up on Wednesday or Thursday, and impress your family with your "cooking skills."
Extra, Extra!
Want to go all out? Add a baked hickory-smoked ham with grilled pineapple and honey mustard sauce for $30. It serves 4 or 1 very determined person.
Location, Location, Location
Il Fornaio San Jose is conveniently located in downtown San Jose, right next to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. It's so close that you could roll yourself home after dinner (but please don't—use a ride-share service instead).
The Fine Print
Reservations are limited, so book faster than you can say, "I'm thankful for elastic waistbands." And remember, this fabulous feast is included in our Thanksgiving Guide 2024 because we're all about spreading the good food news.
Join the Fun!
Whether you dine in or take out, Il Fornaio's Thanksgiving offering will surely spice up your holiday. It's a meal that'll have you giving thanks for stretchy pants and antacids. So gather your family, loosen your belt, and get ready for a more "That's Amore" Thanksgiving than "Over the River and Through the Woods."
Remember, calories don't count on holidays, especially when they're this delicious. Buon appetito and happy Thanksgiving!
Source: ilfornaio.com
Header Image Source: ilfornaio.com
