The More You NOLA: Friendsgiving feasts

Mary Cross mcross3@tulane.edu
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Though the advent of Thanksgiving typically conjures up visions of a massive turkey being carved around a crowded table at grandmother"s house, the holiday is meant to be celebrated your way. “Friendsgiving” has recently emerged as a new tradition, a way to recognize the people who positively impact your everyday life over an incredible meal. Whether you"re craving a new take on turkey or crowd-pleasing comfort food, check out these restaurants when planning this year"s feast.

Parkway Bakery & Tavern (538 Hagan Ave.)
A neighborhood cornerstone since 1911, Parkway invites locals to get together and dig into one of their 25 classic po"boys every week. However, the eatery"s coveted holiday special only surfaces once a year — a seasonal sandwich liberally layered with the spoils of a New Orleans Thanksgiving dinner, including roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, gravy and cranberry sauce on French bread. As the special is only available on Wednesdays in November and December, get a group together and devour them while they last. Parkway is not open on Thanksgiving day (Nov. 26).

Willa Jean (611 O"Keefe Ave.)
The Southern comfort food mecca offers two ways to throw a friendsgiving bash. Grab a table in the bakery"s inviting dining room, which is accented by its down-home “Uneeda Biscuit” mural. Sample the nostalgic menu"s old-school favorites, such as the fried chicken sandwich dressed with serrano slaw or the seared pork belly drizzled with cranberry-satsuma sauce and served with cornbread. If you"re planning a cozy dinner party at home, the restaurant also offers holiday ordering for last-minute desserts and sides, like pecan bourbon pie and veggie gratin.

Domenica (123 Baronne St.)
Located in the historic Roosevelt Hotel, Domenica is known for its popular happy hour and artisanal pizzas (like the smoked pork pie topped with mozzarella, red onion, Anaheim peppers and salsa verde). Though Italian cuisine may not be the obvious choice for a holiday meal, the restaurant will offer a deliciously unique Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving.