I come from a family who likes to eat and drink and doesn't like other people very much. Plus I'm an only child, my folks are divorced and we're all sensible people. This means that each year for Thanksgiving and Christmas I go to a restaurant.

If you haven't done it, please consider what a great idea it is. You spend about the same (or less) as you would cooking, you don't have to clean up and the only prep you have to do is make a reservation. If you get really lucky the valets will wash your car, like they did once for me at Vidalia. Also, you can't raise your voice in restaurants so fighting is hard (Blue Duck Tavern on Christmas Day 2006 is an exception).

What? You want leftover turkey sandwiches? Just buy some roast turkey, a can of cranberry sauce and some stovetop.  You can eat that year-round, you won't notice the difference.

Sooo, if you're interested in not cooking for this holiday season, or just getting a good meal in, here are some options for restaurant meals and prepared food offerings. I'll keep this list updated through the New Year. If you have updates, just mention them in the comments and I'll get those right up.

Updated 11/18/09 2:29 - A select list of takeaway meals has been added to the bottom of this posting. Complete list available at the Washington Post's Food section.

Wednesday, November 18^th

Butcher’s Block

• From the press release: The Butchers Block, A Market by Robert Wiedmaier, offers a holiday-themed chef demonstration with wine tasting for at-home cooks at 6:00 p.m.  Potomac Selections’ Eric Hauptman will choose four wines to complement a Thanksgiving menu as Chef de Cuisine Chris Watson demonstrates how to break down, stuff and prep Murray’s Amish Turkey.

• From the press release: Butcher’s Block is also offering prepared dishes for Thanksgiving Day.  Guests can choose from Murray’s Amish Turkeys, ordered whole and raw at $4 per pound ranging in size from 10-14 lbs; 14-18 lbs and 18-20 lbs. each.  Prepared turkeys come as stuffed turkey breasts with poached and stuffed turkey thighs at $5.50 per pound.  Six side dishes are available, including chestnut stuffing, sweet potato purée, cranberry relish and traditional gravy and cost $9 - $20 each for six servings.  Traditional pumpkin pies will also be available for $20 each.  Orders must be received by Nov. 18

Zola Wine & Kitchen

• From the press release: Situated in Penn Quarter at 505 9th Street, NW, Zola Wine & Kitchen will be hosting a series of Thanksgiving-inspired cooking classes conducted by Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello and his talented culinary team.  Priced at $50 per person, the classes run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM; Wednesday, November 18th - Thanksgiving Leftovers: unique ideas for all those tasty leftovers.  Additional information or inquiries can be made by calling (202) 639-9463 or by visiting www.zolawinekitchen.com.

Thursday, November 26^th

1789 A la carte menu and 3-course $50 fixed price menu.

• From the press release: At the historic 1789 Restaurant, located at 1226 36th Street, NW in Georgetown, Executive Chef Daniel Giusti and Pastry Chef Travis Olson are creating a menu to satisfy both traditional and adventurous palates this Thanksgiving.  Available from 12 Noon to 9 p.m., the new seasonal a la carte menu by Chef Giusti will include standouts such as oyster and Applewood smoked bacon gratin with braised salsify, aged gruyere and brioche croutons; sweet potato gnocchi with toasted walnuts, baby spinach and ricotta salata; fresh ham with roasted pineapple and Montgomery cheddar casserole served with stewed mustard greens and Blis Bourbon Barrel maple syrup glaze as well as braised beef short ribs served with honeyed parsnip puree, citrus baby carrots and horseradish jus.   A $50 fixed price (excluding gratuity and tax), three-course Thanksgiving menu is also an option, which includes a choice of pumpkin soup or bitter greens and citrus salad, turkey with all of the trimmings, and a full selection of desserts prepared by Chef Olson accompanied by coffee or tea.  Valet parking is complimentary.

2941 Restaurant (via Open Table) This Thanksgiving, 2941 Restaurant is offering guests a 3-course prix-fixe menu filled w. elegant renditions of traditional holiday dishes ($65/adult).

• From the press release: Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel’s menu will offer a variety of delectable choices, with appetizers ranging from Butternut Squash Velouté with apple compote, cardamom and cider gelée to Meyer Lemon Crab Cake with jumbo lump & sweet crab, fine herbs and a crunchy fennel salad. Entrées will include a Maple Lawn Farms turkey breast with wild mushroom stuffing and sweet potatoes, a Chestnut Raviolini with Burgundy truffle, Parmesan cheese and pancetta and Madai Snapper with pomme rösti, lobster oil, caviar, radish and ginger beurre blanc.For dessert, Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez will make rustic apple pies, featuring Weakley Farms apples, Ceylon cinnamon and a caramelized butter crust. In addition to the 2941 Apple Pie, guests will also get a choice of German Chocolate Parfait with coconut milk jam, pecan soufflé glacé and a flourless chocolate biscuit as well as Pumpkin Pot De Crème with crispy ginger bread pudding, cranberry marmalade and pumpkin seed nougatine.

701 Restaurant (via Open Table) 701 Restaurant is offering a 3-course Thanksgiving menu ($45/adult; $22/child). We will have valet parking for $7 & live jazz all day 11am-8:30pm.

• From the press release: The recently renovated landmark restaurant will feature a special Thanksgiving menu created by newly appointed Executive Adam Longworth. Guests will have an abundance of choices including Alaskan King Crab Risotto with black trumpet mushrooms, squash, wilted greens; Roast Pork Chop with potato gnocchi, baby vegetables, gala apple, whole grain mustard butter and of course the 701 Turkey Breast with duck confit stuffing, potato puree, root vegetable brinoise and cranberry relish.

Adour at St. Regis (via Open Table) Festive 4-course pre-set menu w. choices created by executive chef Julien Jouhannaud ($90/adult; $45/child). Autumn sangria & wine decanting program to celebrate the season.

Ardeo – Bardeo (via Open Table) Join us for a Thanksgiving 3-course menu ($45/person). Valet parking available for $5.

• From the press release: Chef McWilliams will feature seasonal contemporary flavors including fennel pollen-crusted ahi tuna with fennel puree, wild arugula, cara cara orange; roasted Duroc pork loin with savoy cabbage, heirloom apple puree, baby carrots and the traditional roasted turkey with chestnut and sage stuffing, mashed potatoes, dried cranberry gravy. For dessert there are delicious options such as pumpkin bread pudding with vanilla crème anglaise and toasted pepitas.

Art and Soul (via Open Table) Join us for a scrumptious Thanksgiving feast w. Chef Arts traditional Thanksgiving offerings ($55/adult).

Bastille (via Open Table) French Thanksgiving! 3-course prix-fixe menu ($49/person). Country pate, Chateaubriand, pumpkin cheesecake & much more. Wine pairings available ($20/person).

• From the press release: Inspired by French traditions and the American holiday, the evening will be begin with a choice of Jerusalem Artichoke Veloute with black truffle crème fraiche; Beet salad with bleu cheese, spice candied walnuts, and a walnut vinaigrette; a Country Pate and house condiments; or Butternut Squash Ravioli and sage-brown butter.  The delicious main course options include a Breast of Guinea Hen poached in duck fat, with cranberry chutney, chestnut-sweet potato gratin, and sautéed greens; Grass-fed Beef Chateaubriand roasted in a rosemary sea salt crust, with a Madeira wine sauce, cheddar mashed potatoes, wild mushrooms, and cream of spinach; and a Pan-roasted Stripped Bass Filet, with Beurre rouge, roasted squash and root vegetables.  Vegetarian options are available upon request. Pastry Chef Michelle Garbee-Poteaux’s seasonal dessert options include a slice of homemade Pumpkin Cheesecake, Apple Streusel, or Valrhona Manjari Chocolate Truffle Cake.

Bibiana 3-course fixed price menu at $45 per person.

• From the press release: The newest option for Thanksgiving dining is the recently opened Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca. Executive Chef Nicholas Stefanelli will feature a special Thanksgiving menu on November 26th from 12 noon to 8 p.m. The three-course pre-fixe menu is priced at $45 per person and will feature tempting choices starters such as Castagne, chestnut soup with Cotechino sausage, grappa cream and seppie in umido and Adriatic fisherman’s cuttlefish stew with chickpea puree and flat parsley. Moving on to the main course featured dishes include butternut squash ravioli, brown butter, sage, armanetti and the duo of turkey with free range turkey, potato mousseline, "Financiere"stuff.  For a delicious finale Pastry Chef Hernandez is serving seasonal desserts such as roasted carmel apple and butternut squash robiolita cheesecake, roasted butternut squash and cow's milk cheesecake on a pistachio crust with an amaretto anglaise. Valet parking is available for $8.

Bistro Francais (via Open Table) Join us & enjoy our traditional 3-course Thanksgiving meal (lunch: $18.95/adult; $10.95/child; dinner: $26.95/adult; $15.95/child). Regular menu also available for both lunch & dinner.

Bombay Club $16 for a Thanksgiving Day special of Tandoori turkey, otherwise an a la carte offering.

• From the press release: Thanksgiving guests at The Bombay Club, located at 815 Connecticut Avenue, NW, will be delighted to find the return of the popular Thanksgiving Day special, priced at $16 excluding gratuity and tax, in addition to the full a la carte menu.  Chef Nilesh Singhvi will prepare Tandoori Turkey, boneless chunks of white meat, marinated with yogurt, ginger, garlic and fenugreek leaves. The Thanksgiving turkey is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bombay Club offers valet parking for $7.

Blue Duck Tavern (via Open Table) Enjoy an American brunch 10:30am-3:30pm, incl. hors d'oeuvres, choice of entree & sides, & desserts from the pastry pantry ($85/adult; $42.50/child).

BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier (via Open Table) Join us for a gourmet Thanksgiving 3-course set menu choice ($65/person). Regular menu not available. Complimentary valet!

• From the press release: They will begin their feast with options such as mixed green salad with seasonal vegetables, raw and braised, with a lemon vinaigrette; duck confit ravioli submerged in a creamy squash soup or Scottish smoked salmon served with potato blini and quail eggs finished with crème fraîche. For the main course, entrées include a traditional turkey dinner with sweet potato purée, brussels sprouts and cranberry relish, served with chestnut dressing and giblet gravy; seared Chesapeake Rockfish potato gnocchi, baby artichokes and wild mushrooms and a pan-seared rib eye steak, Pennsylvania mushrooms and potato purée served with a bordelaise sauce.  Dessert includes a decadent pumpkin pie served with a spiced crème fraîche and a pecan tart paired with bourbon ice cream and triple chocolate mousse terrine with white, milk and dark chocolate mousse, burnt orange cardamom sauce and pistachio tuile.

Cafe Du Parc (via Open Table) Join us for a 3-course gourmet Thanksgiving meal, complete w. traditional sides ($37.95). Regular menu available. Special offers on select bottles of wine!

Charlie Palmer Steak (via Open Table) We are open to serve you 2-8:30pm ($65/adult; $18/child under 12). Reserve now!

Chef Geoff's (via Open Table) A 3-course Thanksgiving dinner ($39); children dine for just $11. Large groups welcome!

Commonwealth Gastropub (via Open Table) Why cook? Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with us. 3-course menu ($35). Soup or salad, roast turkey & beef w. all the fixings & dessert! Pub menu late night.

• From the press release: Executive Chef/Owner Chef Jamie Leeds and Chef de Cuisine Abigail Fellows will be serving comforting holiday favorites of roast turkey with cranberry sauce, roast beef with shallot au jus, and sides such as winter squash gratin, collard greens, and two kinds of stuffing. Guests can also choose from the a la carte menu of British-inspired snacks ranging in price from $5-$13 and the pub menu will be offered from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Complementing the comfort fare with autumnal flavors, CommonWealth boasts an impressive selection of UK and American beers, and an English pint of Strongbow Dry Cider is an excellent choice for the holiday feast.

Corduroy (via Open Table) 3-course prix-fixed menu ($55/adult; $30/child 12 & under).

Cure Bar & Bistro (via Open Table) Join us for Thanksgiving dinner, incl. displayed appetizers & miniature desserts, a la carte entree, appetizer buffet, hand-crafted American artisan cheeses, dry roasted nuts, & more! ($40/adult; $20/child under 13; under 4 free) 3-10pm

Darlington House (via Open Table) Join us for a special Thanksgiving Day dinner, a 3-course traditional meal w. all the trimmings & a glass of prosecco! ($35/adult; $20/child)

Fahrenheit (via Open Table) Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving 4-course prix-fixe menu including a holiday dessert buffet. ($85/adult; $40/child, 12-8pm)

Hudson Restaurant & Lounge (via Open Table) A sumptuous & traditional Thanksgiving dining experience featuring turkey, tenderloin, fish & vegetarian option for everyone in the family. All the trimmings too ($45/adult, $21/child)!

J&G Steakhouse at the W Hotel (via Open Table)Join us for a 3-course Thanksgiving Tasting menu, ($35/person). Enjoy w. wine pairings ($59/person). Regular menu also available.

Kellari Taverna (via Open Table) A festive Thanksgiving menu w. all the expected seasonal dishes will be served 11am-7pm ($50/adult). Child's menu available.

Morrison-Clark Restaurant (via Open Table) Join us for a delicious 4-course dinner featuring a few traditional Thanksgiving favorites (set menu: $50/adult; $25 children under 12). Seatings: 11:30am-6:30pm

The Oval Room 3-course set price menu for $50.

• From the press release: Serving up flavors of the season in an innovative fashion, Chef Conte will feature a menu of his innovative Modern American cuisine. Highlights of his Thanksgiving menu include autumn vegetable salad with pomegranate, parsley and warn bacon vinaigrette; charred foie gras ravioli with ice wine reduction and liquid gingerbread; free range turkey with chestnut stuffing and sweet potato puree and Snake River Farms pork with cranberry-miso and salsify and celery gnocchi. Valet parking is available at The Oval Room for $7.

Palette (via Open Table) Come & join us for a delightful dinner specially prepared by our Executive Chef ArnelEsposo ($68/adult). Children pay their age ($5 for a 5 year old)!

The Palm (via Open Table)Celebrate Thanksgiving with friends & family at The Palm. Enjoy a 3-course menu, includes hand-carved roasted turkey, traditional side, salad & dessert ($45/adult; $22.50 /child).

Rasika $16 for a Thanksgiving special turkey entrée, otherwise a la carte menu is available during four seatings.

• From the press release: This special offering of Turkey Pasanda, turkey breast stuffed with cranberry and pistachio with a saffron and cashew nut sauce, is accompanied with butternut squash bharta and chili Brussels sprouts is priced at $16 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.  The complete a la carte menu is also available on Thanksgiving Day and Rasika will feature two seating timeframes: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. followed and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Valet parking is available for $7.

Redwood 3-course menu highlighting naturally and locally raised ingredients for $59 for adults and $29 for kids.

• From the press release: The American harvest menu will be available from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Guests can choose from first course options such as shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad and butternut squash soup.  Just like home, roasted turkey and baked ham will be the main attraction and will be served family-style with mashed potatoes, sweet potato gratin, leek and brioche stuffing and roasted fall vegetables.  For dessert, guests can choose from pumpkin or pecan pie.

Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse (via Open Table)A special 3-course turkey prix-fixe ($49). The regular Smith & Wollensky a la carte menu will also be available.

Sou'Wester (via Open Table) Special à la carte Thanksgiving menu & for larger groups, a $55 prix-fixe option at our 10-seat Communal Table & 14-seat Private Room.

• From the release: The menu will include a variety of innovative turkey preparations, such as Turkey Liver Mousse and Stuffed Turkey Neck, as well as the more traditional Herb Roasted Turkey Breast and Turkey Leg Confit. Executive Chef Eric Ziebold will also offer an array of classic Thanksgiving sides, such as Green Bean Casserole, Oyster Stuffing and Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow. And for dessert, Pastry Chef Amanda Cook will bake delicious holiday staples, such as Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Pie.

Vidalia (via Open Table) Celebrate Thanksgiving at Vidalia! We will offer a seasonal à la carte menu complete w. mouth-watering traditional Thanksgiving favorites.

Willow Restaurant  (via Open Table) Please join us for at Willow for our famous 4-course traditional & non-traditional Thanksgiving celebration ($75/person).

Sunday, November 29^th

Kennedy Center – Roof Terrace RestaurantA brunch with a visit from Santa, featuring live jazz and a banquet menu of $39.95 for adults and $20.00 for children age 12 and under.

• From the release: Guests will enter the chef’s expansive kitchen to enjoy a delicious array of items including freshly baked pastries, seasonal gourmet salads, freshly shucked oysters, French Toast, and made-to-order omelets. The kids table, not to be missed, will feature childhood favorites like macaroni and cheese, french fries, chicken fingers and more.  And in the true holiday spirit, each adult will also receive a complimentary mimosa or a glass of sparkling wine.

Sunday, December 13^th

Kennedy Center – Roof Terrace Restaurant A brunch with a visit from Santa, featuring live jazz and a banquet menu of $39.95 for adults and $20.00 for children age 12 and under.

Sunday, December 20^th

Kennedy Center – Roof Terrace Restaurant A brunch with a visit from Santa, featuring live jazz and a banquet menu of $39.95 for adults and $20.00 for children age 12 and under.

Thursday, December 24^th

Potenza The feast of seven fishes, a traditional Italian Chirtmas Eve dinner for $199 for a party of four and $99 for each additional pair of people. From 5 to 10 PM.

• From the press release: Prepared by Stir Food Group’s Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello, this holiday feast highlights seven of chef’s favorite seafood dishes, familiar to him from his childhood in a traditional New Jersey Italian family. Items not to be missed include Baccala Bruschetta with tomato aioli, parsley, lemon zest and garlic; White Anchovy Stuffed Foccacia served with charred romaine and truffle dressing; Stuffed Calamari braised in spicy marinara with charred lemons; Pizza al Vongole dressed with olive oil, fresh garlic, oregano and red peppers; Mussels and Spicy Soppresata with preserved tomatoes, arugula and chili flake; Linguine Nero, a black squid-ink pasta with caramelized shrimp a la plancha, escarole and cippolini onions as well as Pan Roasted Tuna served with cauliflower puree, roasted mushrooms, and spinach.  For the perfecting ending, Potenza will offer a Chocolate Glazed Pandoro finished with hazelnut sauce and served with gelato.

Takeaway Meals for Thanksgiving:

• Balducci's (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals (oven ready $139.99 for 6-8 people, precooked $159.99 for 6-8 people, cooked turkey breast $129.99 for 6 people). Pickup from Nov. 23 until 3 p.m. Thanksgiving.
• Marvelous Market (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals (herb-roasted turkey breast $109.99 for 4-6 people). Orders must be placed by 10 a.m. Nov. 25 for pickup by noon Thanksgiving.
• Rocklands (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals (turkey $59.99 for 8-16 people). Order by 11 a.m. Nov. 24 for pickup by Nov. 25.
• Whole Foods Market (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals ($65.99 for 2-4 people, $159-$169 for 8 people). Order by Nov. 23 by 9 p.m. for pickup on or before Nov. 25 during store hours (which vary).
• BlackSalt Fish Market (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals ($220 for 4-6 people, $380 for 8-10 people). Order by 8:30 p.m. Nov. 22 for pickup by 8 p.m. Nov. 25.
• Dean & DeLuca (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals ($440 for 4-6 people, $380 for 8-10 people). Order by 5 p.m. Nov. 22 for pickup 8 a.m.-noon Thanksgiving.
• The Fairmont (via Washington Post’s Food section)Complete meals ($240; feeds up to 10 people). Order by Nov. 23 for pickup 8 a.m-2 p.m. Thanksgiving.
• Maggiano's (via Washington Post’s Food section)Complete meals ($20.25-$50.25 for 8-10 people). Order by Nov. 24 for curbside pickup noon-6 p.m. Thanksgiving.
• Odeon Café (via Washington Post’s Food section)Complete meals ($18.95 per person). Order at least one hour before pickup on Thanksgiving.
• Organic to Go (via Washington Post’s Food section)Complete meals ($19.95 per person). Order 24 hours in advance for delivery from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 25.
• Ritz-Carlton Washington (via Washington Post’s Food section)Complete meal ($269; feeds up to 6 people). Order by noon Nov. 20 for pickup 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thanksgiving.
• Vidalia (via Washington Post’s Food section)Pies only ($17.95): lemon chess, pecan and sweet potato. Order by Nov. 21 for pickup 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 25.
• Wagshal's Delicatessen (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals ($79.99 for 3-4 people, $149.99 for 6-8 people, $249.99 for 12-14 people). Order by Nov. 22 for pickup on or before Nov. 25; changes or cancellations require 48 hours' notice.
• Willard InterContinental (via Washington Post’s Food section)Complete meals ($150 for 4-6 people, $250 for 8-10 people). Order by 3 p.m. Nov. 23 for pickup on or before Thanksgiving.
• Zola Wine & Kitchen (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals (turkey breast $119, $149 whole turkey, oven-ready turkey $129; all meals for 6-8 people). Order by Nov. 23 for pickup Nov. 25 before 7 p.m. or Thanksgiving 9 a.m.-noon.
• Wegmans (via Washington Post’s Food section)A la carte/complete meals ($99-$140 for 8-10 people). No deadline for ordering (while supplies last). Pickup from Nov. 23 until 3 p.m. Thanksgiving.