How to Assemble a Next-Level NYC Thanksgiving Spread

You will be having seconds. Photo: Michael Marquand/Getty Images

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner in a cramped New York apartment can be … stressful. Luckily, there’s so much world-class culinary talent in the city that there’s really no need for you to do it yourself. You can always go to a restaurant, but with New York’s embarrassment of excellent gourmet markets, you can also hand-assemble a meal of dishes that have the highest culinary pedigree available. Here, some of the finest à la carte options around town for the person who wants their Thanksgiving dinner to be as impressive as possible:

The Bird: A smoked turkey from the Meat Hook ($150 for a 10-to-12-pound bird; turkey gravy is $6)
Ordering Deadline: No set deadline, but they go fast; order online.

Side One: Traditional sourdough stuffing or red rice stuffing with dried apricots, cherries, and chile from R&D Foods ($18 each, serves four)
Ordering Deadline: Orders must be placed by November 23 and can be done by email, in person, or by phone. Delivery is also available.

Side Two: Cranberry and sour corn chow-chow from Harry & Ida’s ($9 per pint)
Ordering Deadline: Available from November 19 to 25, orders can be placed by email, over the phone, or in store.

Side Three: Root vegetable and apple gratin from the the Greene Grape ($40, serves four to six; $65 serves eight to ten)
Ordering Deadline: 9 p.m. Sunday, November 22; order online.

Side Four: Hard-cider-cheddar loaf and cranberry pecan levain from Runner & Stone ($8 each, both 16 ounces)
Ordering Deadline: 12 p.m. on November 24; orders can be placed in store or by calling 718-576-3360.

Side Five: Acorn-squash stuffed with farro and sausage from BKLYN Larder ($9)
Ordering Deadline: November 20; see the menu here and call 718-783-1250.

Dessert One: Apple custard or sweet-potato pie from Sadelle’s ($40 each, serves eight to ten)
Ordering Deadline: Available for pickup from November 23 to 25, order by email.

Dessert Two: Frangipane tart with mulled wine and poached pears from Roberta’s ($38 or $42 for gluten-free, serves eight)
Ordering Deadline: November 18; place your orders via email.

Dessert Three (Yes, you’re getting at least three desserts. It’s Thanksgiving.): Pecan pie babka from Zucker Bakery ($15, serves eight to ten depending on how you slice)
Ordering Deadline: No deadline set, orders can be placed by email or at 646-559-8425.

What to Drink: This one’s easy: Check out New York’s excellent guide to boozing up your holiday guests with style.