Why not make life easier for yourself and your loved ones this year? The owners and chefs of these four locations all love the holidays and Berks County traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving. Whether you crave an apple pie dripping with sweet caramel, the most luscious turkey or an entire meal, they say: “We’ve got you covered!”
Holiday Pies at Weaver’s Orchard
All pie lovers know there’s a big advantage to buying pies that come directly from the farm and orchard. Fruits made into pies are more deeply flavorful, tarter and naturally sweeter. Anita Harrison of Weaver’s Orchard says, “Apple-caramel-walnut pie continues to be our #1 seller, while pumpkin pie is #2. Our apple pie with lattice-top or crumb topping is a very close third.” In fact, Weaver’s offers more than 16 kinds of pies including blackberry, cherry, blueberry, peach, very berry, coconut custard and pecan.”
40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown
610.856.7300
Pickup or delivery: store.weaversorchard.com
Full-Meal Takeout by Gourmand
Mitch and Kristen Kriebel were thrilled to provide Thanksgiving meals to customers last year when so many of us stayed close to home — and they’re totally ready to do it again. Just be sure to order ahead. The couple conveys a passionate commitment to making Thanksgiving an enjoyable, loving occasion, from savory start to sweet finish. Kristen explains, “It’s a whole dinner — a choice of turkey or ham — and you get all of the side dishes. We offer meals of gourmet quality, made from scratch the day before Thanksgiving. When you pick up, it’s prepped, boxed and ready to heat and serve. With the main course comes potato filling, gravy, salads, fresh-baked honey cornbread and optional add-ons.” (Do ask about pies!)
Chef Mitch describes Gourmand’s succulent roasted turkey: “It’s a sage-rubbed turkey — we grow our own sage! — with chestnut stuffing inside. It’s seasoned with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme and garlic.” Naturally, their traditional Pennsylvania Dutch filling is a must. Prefer ham? It’s gloriously honey-glazed with a pineapple-brown sugar sauce on the side.
Sides include green beans almondine, featuring sliced, toasted almonds all sauteed together plus a citrus glaze. Kristen prompts her husband about another dish, “You do those unbelievable sweet potatoes!” Smiling, Chef Mitch describes, “These are mashed sweet potatoes with a crumble topping of oats, brown sugar and candied pecans.” They even make cranberry sauce. “Our house-made cranberry sauce is a whole cranberry sauce,” Chef points out. “We cook it ‘til the berries pop — so it’s not strained like a gel sauce, but with the natural fiber and a bit of orange zest.”
945 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing
Pre-order at 610.743.3233 | gourmandpa.com
Turkey from Dundore & Heister
“Thanksgiving is near and dear to our hearts,” says Tod Auman, who founded Dundore & Heister seven years ago with his wife. It would be tough to find someone who’s more enthusiastic not only about this holiday, but also about making sure it’s the most delicious holiday turkey you’ve ever placed on your table. Nostalgic tastes derived from local sources are what drives Auman: “Thanksgiving is where we share our heritage, at a table is where we can bring people together. Through Pennsylvania craft butchers at our shop, we tell the story of the abundance here in Berks County. I have very warm memories of the flavors of Thanksgiving! I get chills thinking about it — all the great traditions, the pageant of flavors…”
He adds, “We’re all about meat that matters. When you’re putting specific food on the table, you can trust us — because we care. When you come in to buy your turkey, we’re ready to help answer any questions, whether it’s the difference between rubs and brining and more.” They even offer tutorials on different ways to cook the bird. Sides and cranberry sauce are also available. “It’s best to check out our website and get on our email list,” advises Auman.
1331 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing
610.374.6328 | To pre-order: dundoreandheister.com
Buffet Meal Inside Cheers American Bistro, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
D.J. Gibson, Restaurant Manager of Cheers American Bistro at the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown Reading, reveals that the ever-popular Cheers American Bistro restaurant will be open on Thanksgiving and hosting an elegant buffet in their comfortable dining rooms, complete with the sound of live smooth jazz. “At Thanksgiving, our full buffet will have all the traditional fixings as well as some Berks County favorites like potato filling and more,” he says. Walk-ins are welcome: “Just come in to Cheers from 11:30am to 3pm. But reservations are definitely a good idea.” Parking is free, safe and accessible, and large parties are welcome.
So consider lifting your spirits and de-stressing by indulging in a feast where everyone in your party can select exactly what they love most. Chef Carlos lends his tremendous culinary flair to every delectable item, making traditional favorites into memorable mouthfuls. The restaurant will be filled with the smells of roast turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, traditional potato filling, salads, vegetables and holiday pies.
701 Penn St., Reading
Call 484.577.8633 for reservations
