**UPDATED** Thanksgiving on the town: Asheville restaurants serving holiday meals

Thanksgiving is about family, friends, food and giving thanks. But who says you can’t also be thankful for someone else doing the cooking?

Whether you are entertaining in your home and just need a little help with the cooking prep or want to ditch the kitchen altogether and have someone else do it all for you, area restaurants are offering services to meet both needs.

The following list identifies eateries open on Thanksgiving Day or taking orders for pre-prepared foods.

Thanksgiving Day dining

Asheville:

The Bier Garden
Opening at 4 p.m., the restaurant will offer Thanksgiving specials consisting of a choice between turkey, ham or salmon for $25 per person. A limited menu of appetizers, soups and a couple of entrees will also be available. A child’s size special costs $12. Closing time is 2 a.m. 46 Haywood St. http://ashevillebiergarden.com

Bistro at Biltmore Estate
Head chef Paul Klaassen has created a menu to engage all of your senses from savory soups, such as Austrian green pea and ham chowder to petite estate-raised lamb chops to plancha-grilled turkey breast. The four-course meal offers guests the choice between three different starters, three appetizers, five entrees and three deserts. Seating is noon-8 p.m. The Bistro is in Antler Hill Village and Winery at the Biltmore Estate, 1 Approach Road. Advanced reservations highly recommended. Guests must have valid estate admission tickets or accompany a Biltmore Annual Passholder. Prices: $59 per person. Children’s menu also available. http://biltmore.s3.amazonaws.com/1483-thanksgiving_2015_bistro.pdf

The Blackbird
Located in the bottom of the downtown hotel Aloft, The Black Bird’s menu is founded in the traditions and ingredients of the Carolinas. The restaurant stays true to its theme with its Thanksgiving menu with offerings such as, sage brined smoked native North Carolina black turkey, North Carolina red snapper and a southern custard coconut cake. Gluten free options available. Prices: $55 for adults and $15 for kids. Gratuity added. 47 Biltmore Ave.
http://theblackbirdrestaurant.com/menu/?menu=594&specialty=true

THE BLOCK off biltmore
Be among the first to celebrate the long-awaited opening of this new vegan restaurant and entertainment venue by dining there on Thanksgiving Day. THE BLOCK’s chef Ebone, formerly of Soul Vegetarian Restaurant in Washington D.C.) will present a plant-based soul food buffet to benefit Full Circle Farm Sanctuary farm-animal rescue. The smorgasbord will feature a stuffed veggie seitan roast with cornbread dressing and gravy, veggie “duck,” mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams and homemade cranberry sauce. A chocolate sweet potato pie will round out the meal. Gluten-free options will be available. The buffet opens at 5 p.m. The suggested donation is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and younger. Half of the proceeds from buffet tickets will be donated to Full Circle Farm. Each meal ticket comes with one ticket for a prize drawing. RSVP is required by Sunday, Nov. 22. RSVP to 367-1620 or kaylaw@fcfsanctuary.org with “RSVP TBob Thanksgiving” in the subject line. In the YMI building at 39 S. Market St. Details here.

Brasilia Churrasco Steakhouse
Open with limited hours 5-9 p.m. Regular menu. Reservations suggested. 26 E. Walnut St. http://brasiliasteakhouse.com

Buffalo Nickel
Executive chef Ryan Kline seeks to tempt your taste buds with a three-course menu that includes a traditional turkey dinner, pumpkin ravioli, cola-braised short ribs and pan-roasted salmon. For $30, guests get an appetizer, entrée and dessert. 747 Haywood Road. www.buffalonickelavl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/TDAY.pdf

Burial Beer
If sharing is more your thing, then cook-up a dish and head over to Burial Beer for a potluck dinner 4-8 p.m. The brewery will be deep-frying turkeys from East Fork Farms and will be making additional sides, such as swamp stuffing, cranberry sauce and pie. The potluck dinner will start around 6 p.m. Beer sales will be business as usual. 40 Collier Ave.
www.facebook.com/events/1492480114386347

Carmel’s Restaurant and Bar
The holiday menu includes specialties such as turkey, ham, autumn vegetable lasagna, trout and filet mignon. Reservation are required with seatings 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Holiday menu prices range from $6 to $30. 1 Page Ave. http://carmelsofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Carmels_Thanks_Giving_Menu.jpg

Cedric’s Tavern at the Biltmore Estate
This causal pub offers Biltmore House guests access to the regular full lunch and dinner menus on Thanksgiving along with the option to order a three course Thanksgiving meal. The meal consists of appetizer and dessert choices with a main entrée of an apple cider-glazed turkey breast served with pretzel and cornbread stuffing, buttermilk-whipped potatoes, Swiss chard and aged cheddar gratin, apple cider gravy and fresh cranberry sauce. The price is $39 per person. Reservations suggested. Located in Antler Hill Village and Winery on the Biltmore Estate. Guests must have valid estate admission tickets or accompany a Biltmore Annual Passholder. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. http://biltmore.s3.amazonaws.com/1484-cedrics_thanksgiving_menu_2015.pdf

Corner Stone Restaurant
Since 1997, Corner Stone has been impressing guests with its dedication to quality, fresh food and recipes. The restaurant won’t disappoint on Thanksgiving by serving up its full menu all day in addition to some traditional holiday options. Thanksgiving dinner options are available for $16.99, and include  turkey and dressing, honey-baked ham and baked chicken with dressing. Thanksgiving Day specials include a dessert choice of pumpkin pie, apple pie or peach cobbler. First-come, first-served. Open 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 102 Tunnel Road. http://cornerstonerest.com

Deerpark Restaurant at Biltmore Estate
Head chef Kirk Fiore is serving a smorgasbord of mouthwatering Thanksgiving Day choices. Guests will find multiple serving stations at this holiday buffet, complete with a seafood display, chef’s carving table and a dessert table to make even Willy Wonka jealous. Prices are $47 for adults, $22 for ages 6-12 and children ages 5 and younger dine free. Serving 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Reservations required. Located on the Biltmore Estate Grounds. Guests must have valid estate admission tickets or accompany a Biltmore Annual Passholder. http://biltmore.s3.amazonaws.com/1485-deerpark_thanksgiving_2015.pdf

DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore
Foodies searching for the ultimate Thanksgiving-inspired menu might consider heading over to the DoubleTree for a traditional feast featuring such fineries as roasted turkey, autumn greens, herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, pork loin stuffed with apples, pears and sage, pumpkin cheesecake with pralines and spiced apple cider. Prices: $35 for adults and $14 for children for 12 and younger. Reservations required. Service is 1:30-6 p.m. https://doubletreecateringavl.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/2015-dt-thanksgiving-poster.pdf

East Village Grille
Open 11 a.m. until business wanes. Full menu is available plus specials such as turkey and ham with all the fixings for $16.99. Specials are available for pick-up as well. 1177 Tunnel Road. http://eastvillagegrille.com

Edna’s of Asheville
If caffeine is a must to get your engines going on the holiday, swing by Edna’s for your favorite beverage. Will the full menu available, guests can also order up a quick breakfast or lunch. Open until 4 p.m. 870 Merrimon Ave. http://ednasofasheville.com

Grove Park Omni
Four restaurants in the Grove Park Omni will be open for business on Thanksgiving Day.

• Blue Ridge Buffet offers three rooms of Thanksgiving favorites for $59 for adults, $20 for children for 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger.
• Grand Ballroom Buffet offers guests a buffet complete with holiday music and decorations for $59 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-12 and free for children age 5 and younger. Buffet will run 10:45 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Vue 1913 guests can expect a three-course seated meal with options, such as roasted turkey breast roulade and seared salmon. Prices: $65 per person. Seatings are 2-9:30 p.m.
• EDISON craft ales + kitchen offers guests a causal Thanksgiving lunch and dinner option for $35 per person. www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/holiday-dining/thanksgiving

Green Opportunities Kitchen Ready
On Wednesday, Nov. 25, the nonprofit culinary training organization is hosting a pre-Thanksgiving dinner at 6 p.m. Guests are welcome to dine on location or take a couple of plates of food to go. Payment is by donation. Southside Kitchen at Edington Center, 133 Livingston St. www.greenopportunities.org/get-involved/go-calendar

Haywood Park Café
It has been said that breakfast is the meal of champions. If you need to embrace your inner powerhouse on this day, pop into the café for a breakfast sandwich to energize your morning. Open just for the morning hours — 7-10 a.m. 46 Haywood St. http://haywoodparkcafe.com

Hickory Tavern
For people who wrap up the holiday early and are looking for a place to hangout for the evening, the tavern is opening at 4 p.m. and will stay open until business wanes – usually between 10 p.m. and midnight. Full menu is in effect. 30 Town Square Blvd. http://thehickorytavern.com/home/hickory_tavern-locations.php?l=Asheville

India Garden
If you are looking to skip the traditional American Thanksgiving foods until the stores have reduced them 50 percent off the day after, go celebrate with India Garden. The restaurant is offering its full menu and will be operating normal hours. 80 S. Tunnel Road. www.indiagardenonline.com

Isa’s Bistro
Chef Duane Fernandes has created a Thanksgiving menu inspired by seasonal flavors. Guests get to choose options from a three-course menu, which includes herb-brined North Carolina turkey breast, pan-seared Sunburst Farms mountain trout, braised Carolina Bison brisket pasta, ricotta gnudi and New York strip. Meals are $55 for adults. A wine pairing is available for $25 per person. A children’s menu will also be available. Seatings are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations are required. One Battery Park Ave. www.isasbistro.com

Moose Café
Country favorites abound at this Southern-style restaurant. Guests can order a plated Thanksgiving dinner of either turkey or ham served with two sides and cornbread and biscuits for $9.99. There is also an all-you-can-eat version that will cost $12.99. Vegetarians don’t have to feel left out of the mix as the café offers veggie plates with choice of four sides for $7.99. A children’s turkey or ham plate comes with a choice of one side for $6.99. Serving 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 570 Brevard Road. http://eatatthemoosecafe.com

Old Europe
Normal menu. Open 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. 13 Broadway. www.oldeuropepastries.com

OneFIFTYOne Boutique Bar & Kitchen
Located inside Hotel Indigo, the restaurant will be open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. No reservations are needed. The full menu will be in effect, and guests can expect the kitchen to pump out a few holiday specials as well. 151 Haywood St. www.facebook.com/151boutiquebar?_rdr=p

Pack’s Tavern
If carrying a plate of food to the table is the most work you’d like to do on Thanksgiving, Pack’s Tavern has you covered with a buffet filled with such delicacies as citrus-glazed ham, herb-roasted turkey, a fall green salad and all the other traditional sides you’d expect to see on the holiday menu. The buffet will run 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. Prices: $29.99 for adults and $14.99 for children under 10.
http://packstavern.com

Red Stag Grill
The Grand Bohemian Hotel offers two Thanksgiving dinner options — a four-course seated meal (with a vegetarian option) or a buffet. The seated meal runs 11:30 a.m-9 p.m. and is $65 for adults, $25 for ages 6-12 and children 5 and younger eat for free. The buffet runs noon-12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Prices are $59 for adults, $25 for ages 6-12 and children ages 5 and younger eat for free. 11 Boston Way. www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/media/content_uploads/rsg_thanksgiving_2015.pdf and www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/media/content_uploads/thanksgiving_ballroom_buffet_menu.pdf

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Famous for its steaks, don’t discount Ruth’s Chris from being able to serve up one tasty Thanksgiving dinner. For $39.95 – $41.95 for adults, guests can feast on oven-roasted turkey, salad, sides and a dessert. A children’s menu is also available for $12.95. 26 All Souls Crescent. Opening at noon. www.ruthschris.com/promotions/thanksgiving/?thanksgiving=1

Scully’s Bar and Grille
Open 6 p.m.-2 a.m. The regular menu will be in effect. 13 Walnut St. www.scullysasheville.com

Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro
Taking reservations for seatings 2-8 p.m., the restaurant is offering a three-course meal for $40 for adults. Menu choices range from a turkey dinner with trimmings to beef, pork, fish and a vegetarian option. A children’s plate will also be available. Reservations are required. The bar will be open until midnight. 125 S. Lexington Ave. http://stormrhumbar.com

Strada
Italian food-loving patrons won’t have to sacrifice the restaurant’s regular menu for a Thanksgiving meal — that is unless they want to. Strada offers holiday specials, including entrees such as traditional turkey, apple-stuffed pork loin, roasted red pepper and spinach stuffed salmon and prime rib of beef, in addition to its full menu (minus sauté and grill portions). Vegan options are available. Specials are $19-$24 with a children’s portion for $14. Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Reservations are required. 27 Broadway. www.stradaasheville.com/thanksgiving-day

Urban Burrito
If you just can’t imagine going one day without your burrito fix, the restaurant is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The full regular menu will be in effect. 640 Merrimon Ave. http://urbanburrito.com

Westville Pub
Open with limited evening hours. Call that day to confirm hours. 77 Haywood Road. www.westvillepub.com

Wild Wing Café – Downtown
Holiday hours are 5 p.m.-midnight. Normal menu served. 161 Biltmore Ave. www.wildwingcafe.com/locations/asheville-nc

Wild Wok Asian Bistro
Located in the Asheville Mall, the bistro will be serving late-night food to evening Thanksgiving shoppers. Opening time TBD. 3 S. Tunnel Road. http://wildwokasheville.com/Wild_Wok_Asheville/Home.html

Writer’s Bistro
The Writer’s Bistro, located in the Renaissance Hotel downtown, will be open for a plated lunch 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and then serving a dinner buffet from 4-8 p.m.
31 Woodfin St. www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/avlbr-renaissance-asheville-hotel

Black Forest Restaurant
A special Thanksgiving menu will grace the dining room this holiday. Traditional favorites such as turkey and ham platters are available, as well as some of the restaurant’s German specialties. And if that is not enough choice for you, a couple of Italian dishes will be on the menu, too. Seatings 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Prices range from $16 to $28. Reservations are highly recommended as they are booking up fast. A children’s menu will also be available. 2155 Hendersonville Road. www.blackforestasheville.com

Medea’s Espresso & Juice Bar
Get refreshed with a smoothie, fresh-squeezed juice or a shot of espresso. Open with full menu, but hours will be limited: 6 a.m.- 3 p.m. http://espressoandjuicebar.com

Black Mountain

Palate Restaurant at the Monte Vista Hotel
Give thanks while dining in a piece of history. The Palate Restaurant will host a seated dinner with choice of ham or turkey with all the trimmings for $23 for adults or $13 for children younger than 12. Dinner does not include drinks or dessert. Reservations are required. Seatings 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 308 W. State St. www.themontevistahotel.net

Flat Rock

Season’s at Highland Lake
If an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord sounds like just the thing, Season’s at Highland Lake is offering its annual Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The chefs at Season’s will be cooking 65 turkeys, 25 whole hams 1,150 pounds of additional meat and seafood, 400 pounds of stuffing, 1,200 pounds of vegetables and much more for the occasion. Start off by choosing from a variety of soups, an elaborate fruit display and a salad bar highlighted by house-smoked salmon. Meat choices include roasted turkey; maple-glazed, smoked North Carolina ham; Cheerwine-braised beef and oven-roasted cod with cranberry-thyme jus. Side dishes will feature traditional offerings such as cornbread stuffing and cinnamon-spiked sweet potatoes with caramelized marshmallows along with more creative dishes such as a corn, leek and roasted-pepper custard. Prices are $44.95 per person, $22.50 for ages 5 and younger. There is a 10 percent discount for seniors. Seating is extremely limited. For reservations, call 696-9094. 86 Lily Pad Lane, Flat Rock. HLInn.com/seasons

Weaverville

Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub
Come one, come all. The restaurant and pub is hosting its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner noon-3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The dinner is served buffet-style and is free of charge. 55 N. Main St. http://bluemountainpizza.com

Glass Onion
If you enjoy a great meal infused with flavors from northern Italy, then the Glass Onion should be on your Thanksgiving meal short list. In addition to the regular menu, the restaurant will have specials on hand, including traditional turkey dinner, leg of lamb, scallops, filet and smoked Virginia ham for $25-$28. Seatings are 1-7 p.m. Reservations are required. 18 N. Main St. http://glassonionasheville.com

Well-Bred Bakery & Café
Guests looking for a Thanksgiving lunch should pre-order from a special menu by 50 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22. The menu includes items, such as turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce and roasted root vegetables. Prices are per serving. There will be a limited menu available on Thanksgiving Day. Open 8 a.m.-20 p.m. 26 N. Main St. www.wellbredbakery.com

Prepared foods for pick-up

Asheville

12 Bones Smokehouse (Arden and West Asheville)
For $165, you’ll get a 12-14 pound fully cooked turkey, four sides, gravy, sauce, rolls and pie. Serves eight. Orders must be placed by Nov. 13 for Thanksgiving. Pick up is on Nov. 25, or Nov. 27 at 5 Riverside Drive, Asheville, or 3578 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden. www.12bones.com

Blue Dream Curry House
If you are looking for something a little bit different for your Thanksgiving table, think about ordering a half-pan (feeds 7-10) of curry with Springer Mountain chicken or Smiling Hara tempeh for $80, or a full pan for $160 (feeds 15-20). If you want your curry with Apple Brandy Farms beef or No Evil Foods plant meat, it’ll run you $90 for a half-pan and $180 for a full pan. Orders need to be placed by Saturday, Nov. 21. Pick-up is Wednesday, Nov. 25. 81 Patton Ave. www.bluedreamcurry.com

Buxton Hall Barbecue
Barbecued turkey sets the stage for this Thanksgiving meal for four people. For $99, you’ll get four servings of pulled and chopped light and dark-meat turkey, giblet gravy, Merita cornbread dressing, cranberry preserves, green-bean casserole, mac and cheese and collards. Top it off with a whole pie — brown-butter pecan, apple-cheddar, local candy-roaster pumpkin or banana pudding pie — for $29-$34. 32 Banks Ave. http://buxtonthanksgiving.splashthat.com/

Eddie’s Dog House
Not only can guests order up an entire Thanksgiving dinner to go, they can also enter to win a free one. Meals consist of smoked or deep-fried turkeys or ham and a choice of two sides, including loaded mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli casserole, cornbread stuffing, corn kernels, creamed corn and mac and cheese. The meals feed six to eight people and cost $89.99. Additional sides can be ordered for $12.99 each. Saturday, Nov. 21, is the deadline for preorders. Eddie’s will take late orders until Monday, Nov. 23, for an additional $25. Patrons can also order pecan and pumpkin pies for $14 or a homemade cakes for $40. Pick-up days are all day Tuesday, Nov. 24, and until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. If you are just looking for someone to cook your turkey for you, Eddie’s will deep-fry birds of 15 pounds or less or smoke turkey’s of any size for $20. 408 Old County Home Road. www.eatateddies.com/asheville-restaurant-blog/2015/10/28/win-a-thanksgiving-meal-for-6-8-people-on-our-facebook-page-contest

Gypsy Queen Cuisine
Looking for a Lebanese twist to your Thanksgiving side dishes? Owner Suzy Phillips is offering items including different types of stuffing and soups, as well as traditional holiday favorites, including mashed sweet potatoes. 807 Patton Ave. www.gypsyqueencuisine.com

Luella’s Bar-B-Que
From a pound of sliced barbecue brisket to a full Thanksgiving meal that feeds 12-14 people, Luella’s offers customers easy online and over-the-phone ordering services. A la cart prices range from $6 to $52, and the whole meal deal costs $140 for a turkey, three sides, gravy, cranberry relish and a pumpkin pie. 501 Merrimon Ave. http://luellasbbq.com/2015/11/01/hello-world

Moe’s Original Bar B Que (Biltmore Village and Woodfin)
Moe’s is taking orders for smoked turkeys and hams. A 10 to 12-pound turkey will run you $55, or you can get a 14 to 16 pound turkey for $65. Turkeys come with cranberry sauce or homemade pan gravy. If you need sides, too,  a half pan (feeds 20-25 people) is $27.50 or a full pan is $55. Side choices include sweet potato casserole, squash casserole, cornbread, green-bean casserole, mac and cheese, collard greens and cornbread dressing. Orders need to be placed by noon Monday, Nov. 23. Pick-up is the day before Thanksgiving 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 4 Sweeten Creek Road and 72 Weaverville Road . www.moesoriginalbbq.com/lo/asheville

Pomodoros Greek and Italian Café
Mediterranean flavors influence these prepared meals. For $20 per person, you’ll get roasted turkey or ham, which includes basil corn pudding, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, Italian herb stuffing, bread and a choice of pecan or pumpkin pie for dessert. Orders need to place three days in advance with pick-up being the day before Thanksgiving. Minimum of four orders. Kids meals are $10. 1070 Tunnel Road and 75 Long Shoals Road. http://pomodoroscafe.com

Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack (West Asheville and South)
If you’ve got the main dish covered, Rocky’s can help you with the sides. You can order half pans (12-16 servings) or full pans (20-24 servings) of holiday favorites such as green-bean casserole, squash casserole, cranberry sauce, roasted chicken gravy and deviled eggs. The menu’s regular sides are also available. If dessert is on your list, you can also pick up a pecan pie for $20 or a Coca-Cola cake for $28. Ready for pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 25. 1455 Patton Ave and 3749 Sweeten Creek Road. www.rockyshotchickenshack.com

Black Mountain

Artisan Gourmet Market/Coffee & Wine Bar
Owners Kurt and Emily Burritt offer folks a chance to preorder Thanksgiving meals, whole turkeys and a plethora of sides. You can preorder whole Carolina turkeys for $2.99 per pound, but orders need to be placed soon for the whole birds as they are being snatched up quickly. Also, full meals complete with sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and cranberry relish are available for $14.95 per dinner. Dessert is a la cart and can be added for an extra price. Pick-up is Wedensday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at 2 E. Market St., Black Mountain. www.artisangourmetmarket.com