Where to have American Thanksgiving 2015 dinner in Toronto

Why is that we Canadians have embraced the Black Friday tradition (shopping massive sales the day after American Thanksgiving), but not the meal itself?

Luckily, this year a handful of restaurants around town have created sumptuous, celebratory Nov 26th menus for ex-pats and holiday lovers alike.

Banknote Bar

This Thursday, watch the game (Eagles vs. Lions 12:30pm | Panthers vs. Cowboys 4:30pm | Bears vs. Packers at 8:30pm) with an Open-Faced Hot Turkey Sandwich ($10) with mashed potatoes and veg; Pulled Pork Sliders ($3 each or 3 for $7); Pulled Pork Poutine ($8) alongside select domestic ($5) and craft ($6) pints. It doesn't get much more American than that.

The Blake House

Not only do you get to enjoy an American Thanksgiving Turkey Roast ($22) with all the trimmings, finishing with an apple and crumble, in a building built in 1891 and designed by renowned architects Knox & Elliot; bonus - it’s available both Thursday and Friday.

Peartree

This Cabbagetown instituition, celebrating their 22nd anniversary this year, always does a big Canadian Thanksgiving to-do.  Thankfully, they’ve done it all again for the American holiday.

For $24.99, you get Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Buttermilk Biscuit, Roasted Turkey with Apple Onion Sage Stuffing, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potato, Fresh Vegetables and for dessert, Pumpkin Pie.

The National Yacht Club

If you happen to be a member, you can dig into the surprisingly reasonable 3-course prix-fixe menu of $22.95 that starts with Harvest Soup, follows with Roast Turkey with mashed potato, roasted root veg, stuffing and fresh turkey gravy, with apple pie topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.

If you're not a member, this is reason enough to join.

Ruby Watchco

Both Chef Lora Kirk and Chef Lynn Crawford worked in New York for many years, so the tradition is a yearly occurrence at the restaurant.

This year, the 4-course menu ($54) includes Butter Poached Turkey Breast with Turkey Leg Confit and Gravy, with sides of:

Ontario brussel sprouts with Willow Grove bacon,
Roasted butternut squash with spicy aioli,
and smashed Yukon golds with caramelized onions

Happy Thanksgiving!