Don't Want to Cook for Thanksgiving? Don't Despair

Some people love cooking. Me? Not so much.

If you’re not a fan of staging an elaborate production for Thanksgiving--or at least not spending an entire day doing so--don't despair. It is the 21st century after all and there are numerous options locally for tasty and (relatively) affordable Turkey Day dinner.

Whole Foods—For $99.99, Whole Foods will prepare you a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for eight people. The feast includes a 10-12 pound oven roasted turkey, herb stuffing, 4 pounds of mashed potatoes, cranberry relish and two pumpkin pies. If you have less guests, the store also offers the “intimate dinner” option for $79.99 with the same items, but aimed at satisfying four hungry people. For more info call 762- 9352 and ask for the Holiday Table.

Meals must be reserved by end of Tuesday.

Whole Foods also has a vegan option, which includes hazelnut and cranberry infused grain meat, two stuffed acorn squash, three pounds of olive oil mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, cranberry relish and four baked apples. Cost is $79.99 and feeds four. Yum.

Safeway—Way more affordable is the Safeway Thanksgiving dinner, that will feed 8-12 people for the unbeatable prices of $39.99. Safeway’s feast includes a 12 pound turkey, gravy, 12 rolls, three pounds of mashed potatoes, cranberry relish and a large pumpkin pie. Feeds 8-12 people and there are only a few left.

Go out--If you don’t want to stay at home, consider heading to at the Sheraton which offers a three-course Thanksgiving dinner with a “welcome glass of sparkling wine” for $42 per person. Enjoy the locally grown food in a sophisticated atmosphere without worrying about the dishes when you’re done. 1-7pm. For reservations, call 283-2900.

Love the ocean? Check out the Inn at the Tides which will be serving up a scrumptious three-course Thanksgiving menu that, in addition to roasted turkey, includes seafood fettuccine, roasted pork loin, tenderloin of beef, veal and lobster tail and much more. 800 Hwy One, Bodega Bay. For reservations, call 875-2751.

Have other tips for doing Thanksgiving without making a mess of your kitchen? We want to hear them.