To Order

EFFORTLESS HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

By Anita Lau

What joy it is to be able to entertain and socialize with loved ones again. But after a year’s hiatus, it can be a stressful time for those planning to host this holiday season. Instead of doing the cooking this year, why not leave some — or all of it — up to the professionals? There are many options these days, from picking up your already-cooked holiday feast from a local restaurant to hiring a personal chef to do the cooking at your home. Here are some tantalizing options to ponder, whether you are planning a traditional holiday dinner or a not-so-traditional feast:

Fork and Knife

Former A Restaurant chef Jon Blackford created the “Everything But The Turkey” menu featuring Parker House rolls, several salads and a fantastic cheese and charcuterie board for starters. Instead of the traditional turkey dinner, he offers cook-at-home roast options, including a three-bone standing roast and a 10-bone brined Duroc pork rack. Select from sides such as apple and sausage stuffing, gratin potatoes and black truffle mac and cheese, to name a few. All orders must be placed no later than Nov. 20, at 5.30 p.m. by calling 949-877-0330 or completing an online form. forkandknifecm.com | IG: @forkandknifecm

The Winery

Chef Yvon Goetz’s take-home dinner menu features a roasted free-range Diestel turkey with sliced white and dark meat, apple-sun-dried cherry dressing, cranberry-orange relish and pinot noir-sage gravy. Start with a fall organic baby greens salad with dried cranberries, roasted squash, toasted pumpkin seeds, croutons and Dijon vinaigrette. Then, choose two sides from options including mashed potato casserole, butternut squash potato gratin, roasted Brussels sprouts, bacon and sun-dried tomato, green beans almondine, maple syrup-roasted garnet yams and honey-thyme glazed carrots. End with a decadent seasonal pumpkin cheesecake with caramelized pecan-vanilla bean Chantilly. This Thanksgiving Dinner package serves up to six guests and is priced at $375. Wines and craft cocktails are also available for purchase. To learn more or to place your order, call the Tustin location at 714-2587600 or Newport Beach location at 949-999-6622. Orders must be placed by noon on Nov. 22 for pick-up on Nov 24 between 1:30 and 8 p.m. thewineryrestaurants.com | IG: @thewineryrestaurant

Mario’s Butcher Shop

Newly opened Mario’s Butcher Shop & Delicatessen has been causing quite the stir around town with fantastic house-cured meats and sandwich offerings. This holiday season, chef Mario has a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with ready-to-roast free-range turkey, along with mashed potatoes, candied yams, creamed corn and creamed spinach for you to take home. The only thing you need to do is pop the turkey into the oven. Your guests will delight in a wide selection of delectable add-ons such as house-made charcuterie boards created from the finest in-house cured meats. If you prefer other meats, Mario’s high-end cuts, wood-grilled and smoked meats (including special smoked turkey legs), are also available. Each dinner serves up to six guests and is priced at $250. To learn more or to place your order, call 949-316-4318. Orders for the Thanksgiving turkey dinner must be placed by noon on Nov. 18 for pick-up on Nov. 24 during normal business hours. mariosbutchershopdeli.com | IG: @mariosbutchershop

Broadway by Amar Santana

“Top Chef” alum Amar Santana is offering a Thanksgiving to-go package for $395 (serves 4 to 6), which includes a whole roasted Mary’s Farm allnatural turkey with sides of buttermilk chives mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, orange-scented cranberry sauce, Santana famous Italian sausage cornbread stuffing, bourbon and maple-glazed yams, roasted squash and banana soup, charred broccolini and your choice of dessert: pecan, pumpkin or apple pie, or cheesecake. Place your order by 2 p.m. on Nov. 18 to be picked up on Nov. 24 between 3 and 5 p.m. online.broadwaybyamarsantana.com/shop IG: @broadwaybyamarsantana

Private Chef Stacy Horn

Chef Stacy Horn has several options for those wanting to entertain in style this holiday season. Her “private chef meals” package offers a four-course meal in your home and can be customized to suit your needs (pricing depends on menu selected). If you prefer to serve fully cooked meals, chef Stacy has a “DIY holiday dinner” that includes a pre-set menu with reheating instructions to serve at your leisure. She is available for consultations by phone to help create a gourmet dinner experience in the comfort of your own home. To add some entertainment to your festive gathering, also check out her holiday cooking class parties, which can be done inperson or via Zoom. feedyoursoul.community | IG: @feedyoursoulcommunity

Vinegar and Smoke

Chef Michael Ramirez’s Vinegar and Smoke is an Orange County-based catering company offering smoked meats and gourmet pickles, as well as other classic barbecue dishes and fresh takes on some family favorites. Each holiday season, chef Michael offers fully cooked meals with all the trimmings, along with instructions on how to easily and safely reheat your food. Everything is scratch-made, starting with the hand-mixed rubs and freshly created sauces. Choose from smoked turkey breast, smoked brisket, smoked pulled pork and prime rib, with a variety of barbecue sides and desserts. Different menu options are offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s to ensure a unique experience for each holiday. Menu and ordering info is available on the website. vinegarandsmoke.com | IG: @vinegarandsmoke