Posted on: Wednesday, November 26, 2003
QUICK BITES
Thanks to those who prepare turkey meals
By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Food Editor
Many hotels serve Thanksgiving meals to vacationing guests. Among those we've heard from are the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, which is doing two gourmet buffets (brunch, at $35.75 adults, $18.50 children; and dinner, at $39.50 adults, $19.50 children; 679-3166) and the Hilton Hawaiian Village (wide variety of menus from resort restaurants, including lunch and dinner). Check with your favorite hotel.
Free-standing restaurants doing Thanksgiving buffets: Chai's Island Bistro (turkey and prime rib, $39.95; 585-0011), Meritage at Restaurant Row (turkey, ham and seafood; $25 adults, $12 children; 529-8686) and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (turkey, beef, hot stations, sushi and poke bars; $35 adults, $18 children, 536-6286).
Sam Choy's Diamond Head offers prepared turkey-to-go meals: a 12- to-14-pound turkey, poha berry-glazed ham, stuffing and the trimmings for $76.25, meant to serve six. Advance orders required: 732-8645.
The ever-popular, budget-friendly Italian restaurant Auntie Pasto's Beretania is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a $20 four-course menu that includes matched wines, a choice of entrées and holiday pumpkin tiramisu. In addition, a select group of 20 wines is available for $1 a glass. Owner Ed Wary cautions that "tax, tip and the bribe to the maitre d' aren't included." This special is available only tonight and Friday night (they'll be closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving). 523-8855.
Noticed the Cook'd Right Instant Meat Sensor in some supermarkets — disposable instant-read sensors for various meats that tell you when they are rare, medium or well-done, based on a heat-sensitive portion of the tip, which changes color. Eighteen censors sell for about $5. But if you roast meats more than a few times a year, I'd recommend investing in an instant-read thermometer ($15 to $20).
• • • Correction
Roast that turkey right
To roast a turkey the traditional way, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Roast the turkey at 425 degrees for 45 minutes and then turn the oven down to 325 degrees. It should roast for about 15 minutes per pound. Our story last week did did not give the proper temperature after preheating the oven. 
They've been calling: readers who've decided to give thanks in a restaurant this year — where one of the things they'll be thankful for is that someone else is doing the work! The question: Which restaurants are doing Thanksgiving this year? The answer: Which aren't?
Anniversary dinners at Auntie Pasto's
Sensors can help you cook meats properly
