Where to Go for Thanksgiving Supper in Orange County, CA

If you are a complete traditionalist about Thanksgiving Supper-move on, don't read this article. However, if you have family that's spread out all over Orange County, California and you don't like leftovers, then get comfy for a few minutes and quickly decide among the following restaurants that will gladly take your reservations.

Let's face it, with today's overstressed schedules, sometimes the thought of using a treasured extra day off to do nothing but cook, set up, serve, clean up and then wonder how to not get tired of turkey may bring on more work than many of us are prepared to deal with! Many family members might not even like eating the bird or the sweet potato and marshmallow surprise.

Here are some wonderful restaurants that will not only serve a traditional plate, but their regular menu as well-which will make even cranky Aunt Iris happy. Maybe...

In the North end of the county:

The famed Anaheim White House Restaurant. This restaurant is one of the county's premier special occasion restaurants for at least the last two decades. They are most famous for serving contemporary Italian cuisine. However, the beautiful decorated and landscaped former home knows how to serve and definitely how to cook. Dress here is always comfortably semi-formal. In short-don't let your favorite teen cousin show up in his designer torn jeans. That would be a distinct no-no.

The Napa Rose inside the Disney Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim. It is hotel food taken to a high art. Many in the county who love to frequent the Disney area complex consider this venue to be a destination spot. I couldn't get a firm answer from management, but the kids will probably love the ability to walk around inside the hotel, even if most, if not all of the shops will be closed.

The Orange Hill Restaurant in Orange. Known for it's sweeping views from the top of its perch-this restaurant has a wonderful American menu. Parking is tight and a valet is a must. Besides good views and food, this restaurant knows how to accommodate huge crowds.

Central County has the Ambrosia in the Orange County Pavilion within the Balboa Peninsula landmark. It's known for its continental cuisine. Being it is on the peninsula, if the weather is good, there's a good stretch of scenery to walk and talk off some of the dinner. Just remember, parking on the island is not always an easy task. Leave some extra time to both do a bit of looking around at the beautiful homes and to find a spot to put the car in.

Bistango's in Irvine hasn't really been around as long as most of the other venues in this article, but it is contemporary, serves good food, not far off the 405 freeway and it's smack dab in the middle of the county-just in case parts of the clan are interested before considering eating out on a holiday.

Almost entering the south area of the county is The Cannery at the Lido area of Newport Beach. Yes, it is primarily a seafood restaurant, but let's face it the pilgrims did have some seafood on the original menu-at least that's what some of the history books have supposed. Plus it overlooks the marina and has a cute walking area surrounding it from many angles.

South County:

The beach areas have it hands down!

The famed Five Crowns Restaurant in Corona Del Mar says it has American cuisine, but it is known as the place to go for Prime Rib done English style. Its decor is definitely all English Pub. Right on Pacific Coast Highway, The Five Crowns has long been a county institution. If your family is in to eating in historic buildings-this one will fit the menu on many levels.

Newer to south county are two restaurants located in the absolutely gorgeous Montage Hotel. Also located on Pacific Coast Highway, but in Laguna Beach the hotel has beautiful views, a private beach and walking area that the hotel encourages it's guests (even if you're there for dinner or a stroll) to enjoy. The Loft restaurant serves a contemporary menu, while The Studio has a distinctly French flair going for it.

And last, but certainly not least is the Salt Creek Grille Steakhouse in Dana Point. It is right on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway.
Even though it's known as a steakhouse and grill, it also has live music playing-usually jazz.

So instead of packing up the leftovers-make a reservation and pack up the family and head to anyone of the above restaurants and leave the roasting pan in the pantry this year.