With fewer restrictions, these Whatcom restaurants offer more Thanksgiving dinner options
A year after severe pandemic restrictions ruined dining out for Thanksgiving, Whatcom County restaurants are looking forward to a more typical celebration while also keeping to-go orders in place.
With a high percentage of residents vaccinated against COVID-19, many local restaurants are feeling optimistic that they can put on a safe event that also doesn’t leave them in debt. It’s a big step forward compared to last year, when Whatcom County was still in Phase 2 of the state’s reopening process, which banned indoor dining and had tough restrictions for those willing to brave cold weather to dine outdoors. If they could pivot in 2020, many local restaurants whipped up a Thanksgiving feast that could be picked up at the curbside or in some cases delivered directly to the customer.
This year the expectation is that people will turn to the option they feel most comfortable with at this stage of the pandemic. Restaurants recognize that, with many offering outdoor and indoor seating to go along with to-go orders. Others are acknowledging that it may be a year for bigger gatherings at home with a home-cooked meal; while some expect a fair number of residents to head up to Canada for the day for meals and meeting friends or family.
At Skylark’s Cafe in Fairhaven, indoor, outdoor and to-go are all options noon to 7 p.m. for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, said owner Brad Haggen. The cafe will only be focused on serving traditional Thanksgiving meals that day, which include turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread rolls and dessert.
He’s preparing for the possibility that to-go will be a popular option by stocking up on things like containers. Last year they received way more pre-orders than they were expecting, resulting in extra trips to supply stores to keep up with demand.
“I believe some people are still leery of entertaining large groups at home or having their college student come home. So, we are counting on the folks looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner that might not be going to grandma’s house, home or entertaining,” Haggen said.
Old World Deli in downtown Bellingham is changing its Thanksgiving to-go offerings this year, sticking with half- and whole-smoked sous vide turkey. Last year the deli offered a full-meal slate for delivery, but co-owner Anna Adams said they are expecting more home cooking this year, particularly with the side dishes. The deli will also have items in-store section for customers, including a large selection of wine.
“It will certainly look different than last year and I am thankful for that,” Adams said in an email.
The Hilltop Restaurant & Catering is back in action this Thanksgiving, putting together three main menu options to go with its fresh-baked pies and a children’s menu for dine-in or take-out. It will be open noon to 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
“Wherever people feel comfortable during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ll provide scrumptious and affordable food so they can enjoy their time with each other,” said Tom Kilpatrick, owner of the Hilltop.
The Hilltop went on a hiatus last December where it was closed to the public because of the restrictions, returning to operation as restrictions eased. During its hiatus, it did cater a few events. The restaurant, at 5645 Guide Meridian just south of Axton Road, first opened in 1959.
Here’s a list of announced Thanksgiving plans for some of Whatcom County’s restaurants, stores and bakeries, based on social media postings and press releases. More announcements are expected to be made, so this list will be updated:
▪ Iron Rooster Bakery: Taking orders for pumpkin, french apple and pecan pies, with pickup at the Fairhaven bakery on Wednesday, Nov. 24.
▪ Semiahmoo Resort will be offering Thanksgiving dinners at its ballrooms and two restaurants.
The dinners in the ballrooms will have tables safely spaced with 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. seatings. Packers Kitchen & Bar will have a holiday menu 4-9 p.m. on Nov. 25. The Great Blue Heron Grill will have a three-course meal for pickup. Order before Nov. 22 and pickups can be done at noon or 3 p.m. on Nov. 25.
▪ Community Food Co-op is offering a fully cooked menu dinner for in-store or curbside pickup. The traditional meal serves four for $99, but a la carte items can be added for an additional fee. Orders need to be in by Nov. 22 and can be done through its website.
▪ Kelly’s O’Deli Catering of Ferndale and Crave Catering of Bellingham are offering holiday meals and individual dishes for pickup at their kitchens. Call 360-223-4900 for information or order online at cravecatering.net.
To add your business to this list, please email us at newsroom@bellinghamherald.com.
This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
