Oh, Thanksgiving. How I love thee. If there is ever a day that you are not only forgiven, but encouraged to eat your weight in food, it is this special day in November. If there is one thing I love more than food, it’s my family, so it should be no surprise that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. We often eschew traditional celebrations in favor of  low-key and intimate revelry, so yesterday’s food-fest was no exception.

While I normally disregard most holidays, to borrow a scripture from the Book of Leslie, “Thou shalt not mess with my damn turkey dinner.” We originally planned to make reservations at a nice restaurant, but most menus I found were neither traditional nor sensible. I was not about to pay $47 per adult for Thanksgiving dinner, especially if I was not getting exactly what I wanted. In all of my searching, I came across only one establishment that was cooking up exactly what I craved: J’anita’s @ The Avenue. J’anita’s, formerly a stand-alone restaurant, has taken over the kitchen of The Avenue Pub. I actually found their Thanksgiving menu by following them on Facebook, so, as a side-note, here’s another thumbs-up to a local food and bev business utilizing social media for advertising/marketing purposes. Not only do they have a handle on social media, but the vibe of the establishment is definitely conducive to socializing – GASP! – in person. While there is no table service, we were checked on a couple of times, which may have been because they weren’t terribly busy at the time of day we went. Regardless, it was greatly appreciated.

J'anita's @ The Avenue, Thanksgiving Dinner 2009

J’anita’s Thanksgiving Day menu consisted of a brined turkey and gravy, fresh cranberry sauce, savory bread pudding, honey chipotle sweet potatoes, an “old-school” green bean casserole and, last but certainly not least, their pumpkin cheesecake. Everything was delicious, but the standouts were the turkey and green bean casserole. Often times, turkey is cooked to such a degree that the white meat is dry and crumbly, which usually leaves people fighting for the juicier dark meat. I can honestly say that I had high hopes for their bird, considering what they have done with duck in their spectacular St. Chuck Duck sandwich. The green bean casserole was the epitome of Thanksgiving dinner sides: Rich, textured and occasionally crunchy.

For such a meal, I needed a beverage that wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the stars of the show, the sauces, gravy and butter. Kimmie, the female half of J’anita’s, suggested Lazy Magnolia’s Jefferson Stout, otherwise known as the Sweet Potato Cream Stout. You can definitely taste the slightly bitter coffee notes, and while it had the creamy feel I love in Guinness, it wasn’t as filling. It was certainly an excellent recommendation and I think I have a new “I-really-want-dessert-but-we’re-drinking” brew.

J’anita’s not only offers up a delicious menu, but  The Avenue Pub’s brewed offerings are top-rate. Visit their website and sign up to be added to the mailing list for notifications about special events and discounts. They have recently added new premium selections for the holidays, so beer connoisseurs can find themselves at home here. After all, this does seem like a common goal of the folks behind both J’anita’s and The Avenue Pub.