One of my favorite solutions to the veggie side dish at Thanksgiving problem is to roast many different vegetables, then serve them together on a big platter. I roast each one individually, since they all have different cooking times. This can be done ahead, and then warmed in the oven after the turkey had been removed (the vegetables would even be good cold, if it came to that). And then people who crave sweet potatoes without marshmallows can serve themselves form the platter, while those who abhor Brussels sprouts or beets can avoid those while loading the plates with roasted tiny red potatoes, squash or tiny onions. To each his own.

Cozy Inn in Thurmont for the very moderate price, buffet style "real" Thanksgiving dinner. There are 2 soups, ham, roast beef, and turkey; dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad bar and a million TG desserts. Call for reservations if you plan to go. They have quite a crowd. It's a very nice drive, sort of like going over the river and through the woods...with a grandmotherly dinner. BTW, can't swear to the menu, it's been a few years since I've gone...I need my leftovers to have a happy family!

Note the non-snarkiness!

Good idea. Thanks! EL

I think I saw a big ad for Thanksgiving dinner in the CP for Della Notte in LIttle Italy. Dalesio's has also been open in the past few years.

I've gone the McCormick & Schmick's route for a takeaway Thanksgiving meal several times when I've been scheduled to work on Thanksgiving in the past and never been disappointed. Cork's would be worth a visit, too. Thanksgiving dinner at Charleston though? That might be too good to pass up.

In Catonsville: Matthew's 1600 restaurant on Frederick Rd is open for Thanksgiving dinner.

The Orchard Inn has a $19.99 Thanksgiving dinner on it's sign board. Reservations required.

I haven't eaten there since it was Hirsch's Orchard Inn. It was the last Thanksgiving that I was married and all of our families and friends were somewhere else. (Apparently we had become the fun couple!) We were sitting in between a couple of huge groups. Then husband, after hearing the veggie options said, Skip the veggies, just give me an extra serving of mashed potatoes. The waitperson replied, We're only serving baked potatoes Things went rapidly downhill from there. The restaurant closed within a month and the marriage ended within two months. Ahhhh, good times.

Eve, I didn't know anything was even in The Orchard Inn these days. I used to love the old Hirsch's. I haven't even driven by there in years. If I hadn't already bought my turkey, I'd be tempted to go just to check it out and report back! They were kind of sticks in the mud about substitutions from what I remember though!

Was the Orchard Inn the place that was taken over by M. Gettier for a few years? We were very sorry when he closed that location.

Dahlink asked: Was the Orchard Inn the place that was taken over by M. Gettier for a few years?

Yes, it was, after his place in Fells Point. Apparently even Baynesville wasn't far enough from civilization for him, as he's now in Taneytown (I think).

The former Orchard Inn is now Orchard Landing. The sign advertises entertainment on weekend nights. Last time I was there (NYE '06), not all of the dining rooms were being used, and it was a limited menu. The food was good if not exceptional, and not terribly expensive. I think the basement room is being used for crabs...could be wrong. Th-th-th-that's all, Folks.

I saw in last night's Baltimore Guide that Michael's on Eastern Ave. is serving Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 8. I haven't eaten there yet, but they are steps from one of the 40 stops, which is the only bus that runs often enough on holidays to depend on.

Sotto Sopra is open as well offering Italian selections along with turkey (tacchino) from 3 to 8 p.m.

Lissa,
If its the Michael's I'm thinking of, the food there is pretty good. Plus, its got a real "Baltimore" vibe that I liked, I ate there a couple years ago.

Rob, from what I've heard, that's the one. If I'm in the mood, I'll wander over there on Thanksgiving. They sound like exactly the kind of place that'd have decent, inexpensive Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings, and that wouldn't freak out at a woman alone with her book.

Eichenkrantz was open last Christmas day, so I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't open, too.

Lissa,
If its just you and your Book, perhaps RtSO and his Book should join you!

Michael's has great food, if I remember correctly, From the meal I had there, I'm thinking the Turkey Day spread should be just what you want: traditional food at a decent price. Plus a good staff that is happy to serve you.