Let them make the turkey

Where to dine out on Thanksgiving

Have your Thanksgiving dinner at a table you don’t have to clear with dishes you don’t have to do. Here are some restaurants offering dine-in meals on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 28).

• Alan’s of Boscawen (133 N. Main St., Boscawen, 753-6631, alansofboscawen.com) is taking reservations for your choice of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or buffet on Thanksgiving, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dinner includes turkey, stuffing, fresh yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and onions, fresh butternut squash, soup or salad, rolls, cranberry sauce and your choice of dessert. Call for reservations.

• Backyard Brewery & Kitchen (1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com) will be serving its full menu from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as turkey dinner with all the trimmings, which is $24.95 and comes with a salad. The last seating will be at 4 p.m. Call to reserve a table.

• Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com) will be serving dinner from noon to 6 p.m. in their dining room on Thanksgiving Day. A four-course prix fixe meal will be served, with appetizers like Cape Cod oysters, entrees such as Misty Knoll Farms Turkey, grilled filet mignon and squash risotto, and pumpkin bread pudding and bourbon poached pear among the dessert options. The cost is $125 per adult and $75 per child 12 years old or younger. Trattoria Fondi will be open for breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and will be open for dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. serving its Fondi menu. Reserve online.

• Join the Belmont Hall and Restaurant (718 Grove St., Manchester, 625-8540, belmonthall. net) dining room for a plated turkey dinner. Reservations are required for the function hall with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (parties of five or more only) with an all-you-can-eat buffet and a fully stocked cash bar. Adults $23.99, children 3-8 $18.99, kids 3 and under free. A $40 deposit is required to reserve your eating time.

• The Coach Stop Restaurant & Tavern (176 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 437-2022, coachstopnh.com) is taking reservations for Thanksgiving Day with seatings at noon and 3 p.m. Entree options are roast turkey dinner, baked Virginia ham, slow roasted prime rib, baked stuffed haddock, seafood linguine and veal Oscar. All entrees are $42 and are served with turkey soup, apple cider, mashed potato, homemade bread stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, baby pearl onions and green peas, hot rolls, sweet bread, homemade pie and coffee.

• Make your reservation at The Centennial Hotel and Granite Restaurant & Bar (96 Pleasant St., Concord, 227-9005, graniterestaurant.com) for Thanksgiving Day. The cost is $39.95 per person for adults, $29.95 for seniors and $16.95 for children under 12. Reservations can be made online, or at 227-9000, ext. 602.

• The Derryfield Restaurant (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com) has seatings at 11 a.m., noon, 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for a family-style turkey dinner with a turkey, stuffing, gravy, butternut squash, mixed vegetables, salad and dinner rolls (four-person minimum, or a plated turkey meal that is $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children under 12. Reservations are required. Call for reservations. Credit card required to hold reservation.

• Epoch Gastropub (90 Front St., Exeter, 778-3762, epochrestaurant.com) is open for in-person dining from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with soups, salads and starters. Entrees include pumpkin butternut squash ravioli, maple soy salmon, traditional roast turkey and brown sugar ginger-crusted pork loin with sides such as brioche bread stuffing and spiced roasted baby carrots. Dessert options are pies, cakes and pastries, pecan caramel bread pudding as well as coffee, mulled cider, hot chocolate or tea. $69 for adults, $27 for children 6 to 12 and free for children under 5 years old.

• Fratello’s Italian Grille (115 Dow St., Manchester, 641-6676, fratellos.com) is taking reservations for Thanksgiving with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., serving turkey with pan gravy, slow roasted prime rib au jus, turkey pot pie, Tuscan salmon, vegetable gnocchi, homemade stuffing, pumpkin bisque, garden salad, assorted pies, treats, coffee, tea and cider and more. The cost is $45 for adults, $18.95 for children 4 to 11 and free for children under 3.

• Gauchos Churrascaria Brazilian Steak House (62 Lowell St., Manchester, 669-9460, gauchosbraziliansteakhouse.com) will serve a special Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. including turkey, steak tips, sirloin, pork loin and prime rib, with traditional Thanksgiving accompaniments. The cost per adult is $49.99, and children 6 to 10 are $19.99 each. Reserve a table online.

• The Homestead Tavern and Restaurant (1567 Summer St., Bristol, 744-2022; 641 DW Highway, Merrimack, 429-2022, homesteadnh.com) has seatings at noon, 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. for Thanksgiving dinner. On the menu is roast turkey dinner for $36, baked Virginia ham for $36, roast prime rib of beef for $42, baked stuffed haddock for $37, veal Oscar $42, fresh broiled salmon for $39, or seafood fettuccine for $35. Each comes with turkey soup, apple cider, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, hot rolls and sweet bread and homemade pie. Children’s meals (ham, turkey, prime rib, bowtie alfredo or chicken fingers and french fries) are $18.

• Thanksgiving entrees at The Old Salt (490 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 926-8322, oldsaltnh.com) are oven-roasted turkey with sides like cranberry stuffing and mashed potatoes for $28.99, honey-glazed baked ham for $27.99, roasted butternut squash ravioli for $26.99, slow roasted prime rib au jus for $34.99, baked seafood pie for $38.99 and surf and turf for $39.99. Soups and salads are also on the menu, as are appetizers such as shrimp cocktails and a charcuterie board. Desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, Tahitian cheesecake, apple pie, bread pudding and apple crisp, each for $12.99.

• Red Arrow Diner (112 Loudon Road, Concord, 415-0444; 137 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 552-3091; 61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118; 149 DW Highway, Nashua, 204-5088, redarrowdiner.com) is open during their regular hours on Thanksgiving serving turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots and squash for $17.99.

• Roundabout Diner (580 Route 1 Bypass, Portsmouth, 431-1440, roundaboutdiner.com) is taking reservations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving for their plated family-style Thanksgiving meal with slow roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, peas and pearl onions, dinner rolls, homemade gravy, cinnamon apple sauce and homemade dessert. Adults are $29.95 and kids under 12 are $15.95.

• Temple Street Diner (200 Temple St., Nashua, 521-7133) is open Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving breakfast all day, their full regular menu and Thanksgiving dinner with all the sides and dessert. Reservations are being taken for parties of five or more. Regular parties are first come, first served.

• Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar (275 Rockingham Park Blvd., Salem, 635-4230, yamasnh.com) will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. All items will be served family style. The cost is $49 each for adults, $25 for children under 12. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite.com. Ticket includes reservation and $25 deposit. No cancellation 72 hours prior to event. Call the restaurant with any special requests.

The Weekly Dish 24/11/21

News from the local food scene

• Wine for the holidays: WineNot Boutique (25 Main St., Nashua, 204-5569, winenotboutique.com) will host a special wine tasting, “Wine Your Way to a Perfect Thanksgiving,” on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Three wine experts will pour 15 carefully selected wines that will complement holiday dishes. From well-known classics to hidden gems from boutique producers, each wine has been hand-selected by Svetlana Yanushkevich, DWS — professional sommelier, wine educator, and owner of the award-winning WineNot Boutique. There will be three one-hour seatings. Tickets are $20 each, available from eventbrite.com.

• Breaking bread together: The Turkish Cultural Center (40 S. River Road, Unit 57, Bedford, 621-0620, tccnh.org) will host an early Thanksgiving dinner, Friday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. at 4 Church St. in Bedford. Guests will gather together around the table to celebrate gratitude, community and the joy of sharing a warm meal together. RSVP at facebook.com/TCCNH.

• S’More wine? Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline, 244-3165, averillhousevineyard.com) is offering a special S’Mores Board event this weekend, Friday, Nov. 22, Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24. Relish a variety of flavors as you gather around your own s’mores heater with toasted marshmallows, graham crackers, cookies and rich, melting chocolate. Teenagers age 13 to 20 are welcome in the tasting room without an additional fee, while younger kids and pets can enjoy the gazebo or fire tower. Tickets are $20 each through eventbrite.com. Potato chip and wine pairings are also available for $27.

• Learning about tea: Reserve your space now for a tea tasting and lecture at The Cozy Tea Cart (104A Route 13, Brookline, 249-9111, thecozyteacart.com) Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn to cup a selection of four teas using professional cupping sets. Learn about the processing and harvesting of tea, including the differences between each tea type. Also discussed will be topics such as caffeine content, how to prepare loose-leaf tea, the differences between loose tea and tea-bag tea, and more. The teas will be chosen the morning of the tasting. Registrations are required at least two weeks in advance. The cost is $30 per person.

On The Job – J. Dennis Robinson

Author & Historian

J. Dennis Robinson is a columnist, lecturer and public historian raised in the Granite State. He has written books and articles on local history and culture, including such topics as Jesse James, the Strawbery Banke Museum, Privateer Lynx, archaeology at the Isles of Shoals, the 1873 Smuttynose Island ax murders, the untold story of Portsmouth’s founding family, and much more. His books, articles and events can be found by visiting jdennisrobinson.com.

Explain your job and what it entails.

I write about history, focused mostly on the seacoast New Hampshire region. It’s not a lucrative career choice, but after a couple thousand published articles and 20 books, I feel I’ve finally scratched the surface.

How long have you had this job?

Been at it full-time for almost 30 years. Before that, I was a freelance writer and writing teacher.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I live in Portsmouth, the hub of New Hampshire history until the American Revolution. As the state’s only seaport, there are countless tales to tell, myths to debunk, historic houses to explore, and people to profile.

What kind of education or training did you need?

The only way to become a writer is to read a lot and write a lot more. The tricky part is to keep getting better and figure out how to get paid. I was inspired by my school teachers in Bedford, went to West High in Manchester, and got a degree in English Lit at UNH. I’ve had newspaper columns since I was in junior high.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Except for the bell-bottom jeans, my attire is the same as when The Beatles broke up. I work from home and only come out when delivering a history talk …Then I put on my good shoes. I had a sports coat and a tie but misplaced them back in the 20th century.

What is the most challenging thing about your work, and how do you deal with it?

Most challenging is paying my mortgage. I deal with that by working seven days a week. Second most challenging is convincing book readers that, if they like an author, they should spread the word, buy more books, and post reviews online. It’s how we keep going.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

Readers should know that the publishing business has turned upside down in recent years. More and more authors are publishing their own books using digital print-on-demand (POD) technology. Instead of earning 2 percent of the cover price of a book from a traditional publisher, the ‘indie’ author might earn as much as 50 percent of the cover price, even more with an ebook. Of course, we also have to design, edit, proof, and market our own books. It’s a game-changer, but a ton of work.

—Zachary Lewis

Five favorites
Favorite book: The Autobiography of Mark Twain
Favorite movie: The Day the Earth Stood Still
Favorite music: British Invasion
Favorite food: Chicken Tikka Masala
Favorite thing about NH: I can see the Piscataqua River from my kitchen window.

Featured photo: J. Dennis Robinson.

Kiddie Pool 24/11/21

Family fun for whenever

Stories

  • Local authors David J. Preece and Jim Webber will hold a special Saturday storytime at Bookery Manchester (844 Elm St.) on Saturday, Nov 23, at 11:30 a.m. featuring their picture books A Home for Mr. Higgins and Mr. Higgins Takes a Stand. Spoiler: Mr. Higgins is an adorable dog.
  • In honor of her new picture book, Alice in a Winter Wonderland, which goes on sale Nov. 26, New York Times bestselling author and artist Jan Brett is on a bus tour that will make a stop at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Drive, Durham) in partnership with Durham Public Library and Gibson’s Bookstore on Friday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m. Her new story is set in the shimmering Alaskan tundra and reimagines classic characters as animals native to Alaska. At the event, Jan Brett will do a drawing demonstration, talk, and book signing, according to the release. Visit durhampubliclibrary.org and gibsonsbookstore.com/event/jan-brett-alice-winter
  • Disney’s Descendants The Musical is presented by Kids Coop Theatre Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Derry Opera House (29 West Broadway, Derry). In the story, Belle and Beast have married and become king and queen of the United States of Auradon, where they have created a prosperous new nation from the surrounding kingdoms and banished the villains to the Isle of the Lost, where magic is suspended, which traps the villains on the island. Performances are on Thursday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. See kctnh.org for updates.
  • The Nutcracker is presented by Safe Haven Ballet at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., nashuacenterforthearts.com) Saturday, Nov. 23, at 4:30 p.m. This full-length ballet of The Nutcracker is a dynamic performance including everyone from strong-minded Clara to the eccentric Drosselmeyer, the spooky Rats, and the beloved Sugarplum Fairy danced by artistic director Lissa Curtis, according to their website. In the Land of Sweets you will be introduced to a variation unique to Safe Haven Ballet called The Brave American, according to their website, where the audience is encouraged to sing and clap along to the spirited, patriotic piece. Adult tickets cost $45; tickets for seniors and students cost $40. See safehavenballet.org.
  • Disney’s Frozen is presented by Ogunquit Playhouse at the Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org)Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 22, with shows Wednesdays through Thursdays (except for Thanksgiving).The production is from the renowned producer of The Lion King and Aladdin and audiences should be prepared to be captivated by a thrilling and genuinely moving performance that The New Yorker describes as “simply magical!” according to the website. The show promises sensational special effects, stunning sets, costumes, and powerhouse performances, according to the same website. See specific days and times for ticket prices on their website.

Outdoors

Join the New Hampshire Audubon for a birding outing along the trails at the Massabesic Center (26 Audubon Way, Auburn) on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Participants will meet at the front doors of the main building, according to their website. This is an informal birding outing that begins at Massabesic Center trailhead and explores the trails with local birder and Massabesic Center Advisory Committee member Joe Mahoney, inviting all ages and skill levels of birders, according to their website, even those who are new to birding. The Massabesic Wildlife Refuge is home to many species that prefer open space and lakeshore habitats such as eastern bluebirds, red-shouldered hawks, common loons and bald eagles in the fields and on the lake, according to their website. Binoculars rental is provided and they ask that participants dress for the weather with sturdy shoes and expect to walk 1-2 miles over mostly flat but uneven trails through grassy and wooded terrain, according to their website. Trails may be soggy or muddy in the rainy season and dogs are not allowed on this walk, according to the same website. Free admission. Visit nhaudubon.org.

Treasure Hunt 24/11/21

Dear Donna,

I am looking for information on this Heywood Wakefield dresser. It’s got a stamp in the top drawer and on the back it says Champagne and a number. I have seen some with low prices and others very high in price. Wondering where mine would be.

Theo

Dear Theo,

Your mid-century (1950’s) Heywood Wakefield dresser appears to be in good, clean, original condition. The Heywood Wakefield Co. goes all the way back to the middle 1800s. It started off as just Wakefield and in the 1920s became The Heywood Wakefield Co. It has an interesting history. The word “Champagne” on the back relates to the color. The number would be the style.

You are right that values are all over the place. Most are in the high range and very collectible today. Condition and surface are important. Dressers would be very desirable in today’s decor.

As long as drawers are structural as well with the condition we can see, I would say the value would be in the $800+ range to a collector. Possibly even higher in another region. I hope this was helpful, Theo, and thanks for sharing with us. Note: If you have or find mid-century furniture try to leave it in the original finish and condition. Once refinished it doesn’t have the highest value.

Donna Welch has spent more than 35 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing. Her new location is an Antique Art Studio located in Dunbarton, NH where she is still buying and selling. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at footwdw@aol.com, or call her at 391-6550.

The Art Roundup 24/11/21

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Chorale concerts: NH Master Chorale Director Dan Perkins planned this month’s concerts, “A Breath of Ecstasy,” which will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, at South Church in Concord and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Plymouth Congregational Church. The overall theme is “For a Breath of Ecstasy,” taken from a 2017 composition by the American composer Michael John Trotta that sets seven of Teasdale’s poems from “Love Songs,” a collection published in 2017, which won the original Pulitzer Prize in poetry. Tickets are available through nhmc.ticketleap.com/f24 or at the door.

• Murder mystery: Murder’s In the Heir will be presented by the Majestic Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester, majestictheatre.net) on Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 24. “Almost every character in this hilarious mystery has the weapon, opportunity, and motive to commit the unseen murder. And it’s up to the audience to decide who actually did it!” according to the press release. Murder’s in the Heir is directed by Becky Rush and stars Michele Bossie, Natashia Da Cunha-Lund, Katie Davis, Matthew Davis, Larissa Gault, Scott Howard, Alex Jozitis, Benjamin Mahon, Ilana Peet, Lee Peet, Eric Petit, Josh Sanborn, Krystal Timinski and Marinda Weaver, according to the same release. The show will run Friday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for ages 65 and above and 17 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling 669-7469, by visiting majestictheatre.net or at the door before the show, according to the release.

• Art at the Center: The Sandy Cleary Community Art Gallery is located on the ground floor of the Nashua Center for the Arts inside the concourse that runs along West Pearl Street, from the Main Street Lobby entrance to the West Pearl entrance, according to their website. The gallery gives local artists the opportunity to display and sell their work to thousands of people attending concerts and events at the Center annually. Their new rotation, which runs from October through December, features four of Nashua’s talented artists, Dan Marshall, R.D. Lembree, Sandy Machell and Monique Sakellarios. Visit nashuacommunityarts.org/sandy-cleary-community-art-gallery.

• Small art: Pillar Gallery + Projects’ newest exhibit is “NANO” and the show runs until Wednesday, Dec. 18. “NANO” is a juried exhibition focused on smaller works. The press release describes the exhibit thusly: “In a fast-paced culture perpetually interested in bigger, NANO showcases the impact of works that are intimately-scaled.” The exhibition will be installed salon-style to highlight the range of processes and thematic exploration and they are accepting 2D and 3D works in all media. 2D works must be no larger than 6 x 6 inches (8 x 8 inches framed) and 3D works no larger than 4 x 4 x 4 inches. Visit pillargalleryprojects.com.

• Tour historic houses: At Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth) participants can join expert guides for a 90-minute tour exploring three centuries of Thanksgiving traditions. Attendees will travel through time and visit four historic houses as they learn how this holiday has evolved over time, according to their website. They will discover how people celebrated Thanksgiving in 1777 at the William Pitt Tavern, experience the height of the Victorian period in 1870 at the Goodwin Mansion, share in the experience of a Jewish immigrant family learning about the American holiday in 1919 at the Shapiro House, and learn about Thanksgiving on the home front in 1943 at the Abbott House and Store, according to the same website. Members $20; non-members $25. Tours on Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24, take place at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tours will also occur on Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, at these times: 10 a.m, 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. Visit strawberybanke.org.

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