The Main Course -- Muriel Stevens: Thanksgiving choices in the valley from A to Z

Muriel Stevens' dining column appears Fridays. Her shopping column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at [email protected] or 259-4080.

The bald eagle may be America's symbol, but this is the week when the turkey becomes the nation's favorite bird. While there may be a few who would rather eat anything except turkey, most of us enjoy gobbling up the gobblers.

And breaking with tradition, Thanksgiving has become a time for eating out with the family rather than at home.

Most hotels and restaurants will offer Thanksgiving dinners. Smaller restaurants outside of the hotels may be closed. Wherever possible make reservations a few days in advance. Here are some suggestions.

Next comes roasted free-range turkey with chestnut and cornbread stuffing, giblet gravy, cranberry relish, glazed yams, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, sauteed green beans, baby carrots and creamed pearl onions. Dessert is a choice of warm pumpkin souffle with spiced vanilla ice cream or pumpkin pie. For reservations, call 733-4444.

A Thanksgiving dinner buffet ($19.95) and a special holiday brunch buffet ($13.95) will be available at Cafe Roma in addition to its regular menu. Brunch hours are 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner, 3-9 p.m. At noon additional items will be added, including: roasted butternut squash soup; seafood chow mein; and Cantonese beef and roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Dinner additions are: an array of fresh fruits and salads; North Shore crab legs and chilled shrimp; additional meats including fresh Virginia ham; and a grand selection of holiday pies, cakes and desserts. At the above buffets, children 4-12 eat for half price; under 4 years old, they dine free.

La Piazza Food Court's American Station is offering a traditional holiday plate with turkey, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce and sage stuffing or prime rib au jus ($9.95). Also included are biscuit or cornbread, and two choices of side dishes.

Terazza Italian restaurant will offer its regular menu and Thanksgiving specials from 5:30 to 11 p.m.; Bacchanal's traditional six-course feast will include a Thanksgiving choice. Reservations should be made for Terazza and Bacchanal. Call 731-7110.

At Palace Station's Pasta Palace, holiday dinners are $14.99-$19.99; The Broiler, $15.99-$21.99; Guadalajara Bar & Grille, $9.99-$11.99; Iron Horse Cafe and the Feast Buffet, same as above.

Holiday meals will be offered in Texas Station's Yellow Rose Cafe, Stockyard Steakhouse, San Lorenzo Italian and Feast Around the World buffet at prices similar to their sister Stations.

Sunset Cafe at Sunset Station has complete Thanksgiving dinners for $8.99; at Capri Italian restaurant dinners are priced from $14.99; Costa del Sol, from $15.99; Rosalita's Cantina, $11.99; Sonoma Cellar, from $15.99. Reservations are recommended. Call 547-7777. Sunset's Feast Around the World buffet will offer holiday fare from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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