What Do Chefs Who Don't Work on Thanksgiving Do for Thanksgiving?

By Laura Hahnefeld Wed., Nov. 21 2012 at 8:00 AM

Welcome to Chow Bella's Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you'd like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com. Miss a question? Go here.

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Many restaurants throughout the Valley are offering special meals for the Thanksgiving holiday. But for those chefs who have the day off, what's the plan? I asked a few and this is what they had to say:

Justin Beckett,
Chef and Owner, Beckett's Table

Beckett's Table is closed on Thanksgiving, but I will be cooking. I love this holiday -- it might even be my favorite. I always try to do something new with the turkey. This year, I think I will do confit turkey legs then stuff it in the middle of boneless breasts and roll it all up and slow roast it. The sides are always my favorite dishes though, with cranberries being the star of the entire meal.

Pauline Martinez,
Chef and Owner, Perk Eatery

Last year, I catered and was exhausted. This year I'm staying home with my son and husband and relaxing and cooking at home. I have a lot for which to be thankful!

Christopher Gross, Chef and Owner,
Christopher's Restaurant & Crush Lounge

Christopher's will be closed, so I will be with family. We are ordering dinner for 40 from the Wrigley, but I'll be making Mom's recipe for noodles and cooking a turkey sous vide.

Chef Payton Curry,
Brat Haus

I will be spending Thanksgiving with my beautiful wife and making enough food to feed a small army. We are already working on the recipes for our grandkids to make us when we need to have everything pureed. And of course I will be cooking.