If the idea of wrestling a clammy turkey into the oven leaves you cold, or if you simply don't want to deal with the aftermath of your family and friends gorging themselves then leaving you to clean up the mess, you can find refuge at a selection of area restaurants where Thanksgiving dinner is served — or at least the regular menu is available. Here's a list we were able to dig up for our readers of places where you can dine on Thanksgiv-ing Day: THE ALBEE (Downtown; brunch, noon-6 p.m., 513-852-2740); BENIHANA (Downtown; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., 513-421-1688); BLACK FOREST (West Chester; buffet, noon-7 p.m., 513-777-7600); CAFÉ CIN/CIN (Downtown, noon-8 p.m., 513-621-1973); CHAMPS EATERY & SPORTS BAR (Downtown; 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., 513-579-1234); LA CARAVELLE (Greenhills; noon-6 p.m.; 513-825-7135); CHINA CITY BUFFET (Mason, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; 513-336-9366); CHRISTOF'S (Glendale; seating at 3 and 5 p.m.; 513-772-4300); DESHA'S AMERICAN TAVERN (Montgomery; buffet, noon-8 pm.; 513-247-9933); EMBASSY GRILLE (Covington; buffet, noon-6 p.m.; 859-261-8400, ext. 3); FORE & AFT (Sayler Park; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; 513-941-8400); JIMMY D'S (Montgomery; 5-10 p.m., 513-984-2914); KO-SHO (Downtown, 5-9 p.m.); MICHAEL G'S (Columbia-Tusculum; buffet, noon-6:30 p.m.; 513-533-3131); MOUNTAIN JACK'S (Sharonville; Noon-8 p.m., 513-563-5063); THE PALACE (Downtown, brunch, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.); THE PALM COURT RESTAURANT (Downtown, buffet, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.); PARKERS BLUE ASH GRILL (Blue Ash; noon-7 p.m., 513-891-8300); LA PETITE FRANCE (Evendale; 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; 513-733-8383); THE SYNDICATE (Newport; 2-9 p.m.; 859-491-8000). And here's a nice opportunity at MULLANE'S PARKSIDE CAFE (Downtown, 723 Race St.): It's Mullane's Thanksgiving Benefit, a free dinner for people who don't have a place to go on Thanks-giving. Info: 513-381-1331 ...
BONEFISH GRILL (2737 Madison Road) isn't open on Thanksgiving, but if you're weary of turkey leftovers after a day or two, you might want to check out the seafood fare at Hyde Park's newest eatery. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the 5,500 square foot dining establishment tucked into the back corner of a strip mall at Madison and Edwards roads is that it was once a very mundane Perkins Restaurant: Now it's got a sleek interior design with blond hardwood and amber glass lamps, plus a selection of art from Florida artists (the chain is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla.; this is their 13th establishment). The menu is reasonably priced ($13-$18 for well-prepared seafood, beef, pork and chicken entrees). 513-321-5222 ...
NICK & TONY'S CHOPHOUSE tried really hard to be open in time for Thanksgiving (in fact the press materials they sent out indicated they'd be serving on Nov. 27), but they're a few days short of being ready: The plan now for downtown's newest restaurant is to open on Monday at 19 E. 7th St., just a half-block east of the Aronoff Center.
The menu offers classic chophouse fare — steaks, chops and pasta. The dining room will seat 200, plus a bar with room for 80 that could become a new downtown hangout before a show; there are also two private dining rooms seating up to 75. Reservations: 513-723-1940. This is the eighth Nick & Tony's, operated by Chicago's Restaurant Development Group. They're making their presence known in Northern Kentucky with another restaurant concept, BAR LOUIE, a casual establishment offering hearty sandwiches, pastas and fajitas. The 15th Bar Louie opens on Dec. 15 at Newport on the Levee.
