Spotlight on Long Island: Where to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner on Long Island
Thanksgiving is meant to bring families together, yet for so many, the day turns into a balancing act-dividing time, meals, and moments between in-laws and extended relatives. In order to split the day between two families, someone has to have dinner in the early afternoon while the other family has to prepare it for dinnertime. The guests are always watching the clock to leave from the earlier dinner then they are too full to sit and eat a full meal again at the later dinner. The true meaning of Thanksgiving is being grateful, and thankful, and gathering as one. Sharing Thanksgiving dinner as a blended family offers a chance to deepen family connections, create new traditions, and remind ourselves that the heart of the holiday isn’t about where we sit, it’s about who we are sitting with. Many restaurants on Long Island are open on Thanksgiving Day offering a traditional menu. Instead of dividing time, limiting time, and trying to be on time, an extended family gathering at any one of these restaurants is the solution. No cooking. No stress. No cleaning up. No rushed feeling. Being together and enjoying each other is what Thanksgiving is about.
Opus Mediterranean Steakhouse, Jericho
Opus Prime Steak, Seafood, and Sushi Restaurant is a chic and elegant way to spend your Thanksgiving family dinner. Aside from being surrounded by family, each table is surrounded by panoramic views of lush gardens and terraces. The special Thanksgiving dinner includes turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables, and more for $49.00 per person. Reservations can be made online.www.opussteakhouse.com
Seasons 52, Garden City
“We’ll make the classics; you make the memories.” is Seasons 52’s motto for Thanksgiving Day. This very popular and comfortable restaurant is offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for $44.00 per adult and $18.00 per child. Children can dine on chicken fingers, pasta, and hamburgers in addition to turkey. Reservations can be booked online. www.seasons52.com
Tweed’s Restaurant and Buffalo Bar, Riverhead
Opened in 1896, Tweed’s is the oldest continuing family-run restaurant in the North Fork. This landmark location recreates a style of dining more than a century old. For smaller families with adults only, Tweed’s is offering a full three-course Thanksgiving dinner with choices of sides and desserts for $64.00 per person. Reservations can be made by calling (631) 208-3151.
La Piazza, Melville
Family owned and operated; La Piazza has been a favorite of refined Long Islanders for 30 years. A Manhattan style restaurant with a sophisticated ambiance welcomes you to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with your family. For $57.00 per adult and $30.00 per child, this dinner special includes turkey, chestnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, maple glazed sweet potatoes, and a choice of dessert. Reservations can be booked online. www.lapiazzaonline.com
Andrea Peponakis
Andrea Peponakis is a retired foreign language teacher who then became a local newspaper journalist and local radio show host. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens and on Long Island, Andrea is now focusing on writing children’s books. The motivation to become an author was inspired by her three grandchildren. Her book, Grandma, Grandma, Tell Me More: My Family Loves Me, was featured at this year’s London Book Festival and at The LA Times Book Fair. Andrea currently resides on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. Her days are spent creating everlasting memories with her grandchildren and writing.
