You’re probably familiar with the concept of Friendsgiving (celebrating Thanksgiving with a group of friends either before or on the holiday). “Worksgiving,” on the other hand, is still catching on. Maybe because it has “work” in the name. But the idea is the same—a Thanksgiving meal with your co-workers.
This could be a potluck party hosted in the office or, in order to eliminate some work, a catered gathering. Here, we’ve rounded up some catering menu ideas—from turkey to Turkish—that will please even the pickiest co-workers.
More than 45 Kimpton restaurants across the country will be offering a special Friendsgiving menu, adaptable for office gatherings, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry. Menu items and pricing varies, depending on the location. For example, the Turkey Call at Henley in Nashville costs $200 for four to six people and includes turkey, fixings, cornbread, potatoes, rolls, and pie. Items are available for pickup at select restaurants such as the Henley; the Pacific Hideaway in Huntington Beach, California; Panzano in Denver; the Red Owl Tavern in Philadelphia; and Tre Rivali in Milwaukee. Other locations are offering family-style dinners on site.
Photo: Scott Gardner
Denver’s Safta recently debuted a special Turkish menu for the month of November, kicking off a rotating series of featured cultural cuisines at the modern Israeli restaurant inside the Source Hotel in the city’s RiNo (River North Arts District). In addition, Safta’s Counter opened in the Source Hotel Market Hall, with a takeaway menu that includes classics such as tahini, hummus, lutenitsa (a veggie spread), baba ghanoush, and wood-fired pita, along with an Israeli twist on Thanksgiving pies: baharat apple pie ($25, pictured), heirloom pumpkin pie ($25), and bourbon pecan pie ($30), all served with pomegranate caramel and vanilla whipped cream ($5 each for a half pint). The pies are available for pickup; pre-Thanksgiving orders must be placed by November 19.
Photo: Courtesy of Safta’s Counter
To supplement the main dishes, Nashville’s Juniper Green offers an array of yummy, slightly healthier sides and desserts such as roasted Brussels with pomegranate seeds, apricot, and crispy shallot (pictured); kale salad with dried cranberries, pumpkin seed brittle, and cider vinaigrette; and maple pumpkin pie with an orange-scented meringue. Orders are available for pickup and delivery. Ordering closes at 10 p.m. on November 17, and customers can pick up or have their order delivered on November 21 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Juniper Green
For a more traditional option, Wexler's Deli in Santa Monica offers a Thanksgiving feast featuring a whole smoked turkey with gravy, squash soup, challah stuffing, roasted carrots, and more, plus a choice of pecan or pumpkin pie. Wine and caviar are also available add-ons. Order deadline is November 18 and the items are available for pickup or delivery on November 21. The feast costs $395 and serves 10 to 12 people.
Photo: Jakob N. Layman
The “Take the Chill Off Cart” from Abigail Kirsch Catering in New York features rich hot cocoa and warm caramel-cranberry cider along with toppings, bite-size caramel apples, and warm cinnamon sugar doughnut holes.
Photo: Courtesy of Abigail Kirsch Catering
Ruffino Wines and Little Pie Company have created a salted caramel Prosecco pie. The seasonal dessert features apples, brown sugar, salted caramel, and the brand’s Prosecco. The bubbly confections are available in two sizes: a 5-inch personal pie ($9.50) or 10-inch ($35). The limited-edition pie is available until December 31 at Little Pie Company in New York or online on the pie shop's website; shipping is offered nationwide.
Photo: Courtesy of Little Pie Company
The office catering menu at David Burke Tavern on New York’s Upper East Side features more upscale options fit for a special occasion, including quiche with mushroom, truffles, and cheese ($48 per dozen); lobster dumplings with citrus sauce ($48 per dozen, pictured); sliced sirloin with mushroom salad ($48 per dozen); fried chicken with truffle hot honey ($36 per dozen); and octopus-chorizo kebabs ($48 per dozen).
Photo: Courtesy of David Burke Tavern
Brooklyn Cider House’s offerings can be paired with any holiday feast (if alcohol is allowed in the office) and range from its easy-drinking Kinda Dry cider to the tart Half Sour to the earthy Raw cider. The drinks are available in retail stores in New York such as Eataly and Whole Foods and online at PJ Wine for around $10 for 750 ml (price depends on retailer), as well as the Brooklyn Cider House Bushwick location and its farm Twin Star Orchards in New Paltz, New York.
Photo: Michael Tulipan
Saltbox Kitchen in Concord, Massachusetts, offers a take-out and small-order catering menu for pickup as well as full-service off-site catering. The Thanksgiving menu features appetizers including stuffed mushrooms and classic shrimp cocktail; hors d'oeuvres platters such as the assorted salumi platter with marinated olives, whole grain mustard, and house pickles (small is $75 and large, $120, pictured); sides; salads; and desserts. Plus, growlers of beer like pumpkin chocolate stout from the brewery are available for purchase with pickup orders.
Photo: Courtesy of Saltbox Kitchen
New York’s Middle Eastern restaurant Dez offers a selection of mezzes (Middle Eastern dips and apps) that feed six to eight people and are served with pita; bowls (which serve eight to 10) including Moroccan lamb meatballs and baharat grilled chicken with saffron jeweled rice; salads such as the Sabich Salad with chopped vegetables, roasted potatoes, crispy eggplant, seven-minute egg, zhoug sauce, umbah sauce, herbs, and tahini; as well as desserts like chocolate tahini walnut cookies. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance and are available for pickup or delivery (transportation fees may apply).
Photo: Courtesy of Dez
