Thanksgiving Delights from Top Chefs
Thanksgiving, a cherished American holiday, is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. While traditional dishes like turkey and stuffing are always welcome, many chefs are adding their own unique culinary twists to the Thanksgiving feast.
International Flavors
Chef David Bazirgan of Dirty Habit restaurant in San Francisco brings his Armenian heritage to the table with appetizers like boereg, a crispy pastry filled with cheese or meat, and basturma, a cured beef dish.
Chef Francis Ang of the same restaurant grew up in the Philippines and incorporates pork into his Thanksgiving menu. His sisig bread stuffing, made with ground pork, liver, and aromatic spices, pairs perfectly with his unique turkey preparation.
Chef Christy Vega of Casa Vega restaurant in Los Angeles draws inspiration from her Latin American roots. Her jalapeno cranberries add a touch of heat to the sweet tartness of cranberries, while her sweet corn tamales, topped with rich crema, offer a delightful balance of savory and sweet.
Global Influences
Chef Ben Ford, son of actor Harrison Ford, serves a Thanksgiving menu reminiscent of his time spent in the United Kingdom. His prime rib roast with horseradish cream, persimmon salad with goat cheese and candied pecans, and split pea soup with smoked ham hocks bring a taste of British cuisine to the holiday table.
Florian Wehrli, a Swiss native and chef at Triomphe restaurant in Manhattan, has a soft spot for cheese. His Gruyere Cheese Pie, a time-honored recipe from his childhood, is a favorite among his guests.
Italian Traditions
Chef Joe Farina of the Rosebud Restaurant Group grew up in an Italian American household. His Thanksgiving spread includes classic Italian dishes like antipasto plates with cheese, meats, and fruits; lasagna; arancini, fried rice balls; and stromboli, a rolled pizza. For dessert, he serves homemade cannoli and pumpkin cheesecake.
Holiday Recipes
Chef Francis Ang’s Sisig Stuffing
This Filipino-inspired stuffing combines the flavors of pork, liver, and spices.
Chef Florian Wehrli’s Gruyere Cheese Pie
A traditional Swiss dish, this cheese pie is made with a flaky crust and a rich, cheesy filling.
Additional Thanksgiving Dishes
- Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping
- Green bean casserole with crispy onions
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Apple pie with vanilla ice cream
- Pumpkin pie with whipped cream
Whether you prefer traditional Thanksgiving fare or dishes with a global twist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. As you gather with loved ones to celebrate, let the culinary creations of these talented chefs inspire your own Thanksgiving feast.
