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Best Thanksgiving Take-Out in LA

If the thought of the Thanksgiving leaves you longing for the comfort of home but dreading the idea of slaving over a hot stove, a take-out meal is just the ticket for a stress-free holiday. Most Los Angeles-based supermarkets offer reliable, traditional turkey dinners for a fair price (Gelsons, Bristol Farms and Whole Foods are popular picks) but those longing for something a bit different might consider turning to the pros for Thanksgiving take-out with a twist.

Loretos
983 W Compton Blvd
Compton, CA 90220
(310) 537-7612
www.loretos.net
"All turkey, all the time" could be the motto of this unassuming little gem in a Compton strip mall that boasts a turkey-centric menu year round. Powerful of word of mouth has their phone ringing off the hook around the holidays -- Chef and part owner Joe deep fries a Cajun spice-rubbed whole turkey and offers a mouth-watering selection of sides including country greens, mac and cheese, sweet potato pie and the best gravy in town. "Nothing from a can here!" Craving something specific that's not on the menu? Joe aims to please – he'll accommodate special requests with fair notice. Sides are $25 a piece and feed 15 to 20 people and a 15-16 lb turkey runs $70 even. But don't delay...you need to call now to get on "the list".

Thyme Cafe'/Market

1630 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 399-8800
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Maire Byrne brings her CIA cred and fine restaurant resume to a lovely little neighborhood cafe and market featuring homemade pastries, scrumptious salads, and fine coffee and teas. So it's no surprise their Thanksgiving take-out offerings are fit for the true gourmand. Why settle for cheese and crackers when "Salmon Rillette with Crostini Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese and Candied Pecans" is just a click away? A bowl of mashed potatoes is fine but "Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Bacon and Sage" is divine. The turkey and most sides serve 6 and orders come fast and furious so get yours in well before the November 21st noon deadline.

Guelaguetza Restaurant

3014 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 427-0608

11215 Long Beach Blvd. , #1010
Lynwood, CA 90262
(310) 884-9234
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Angelenos love their Mexican food. So why not take Thanksgiving dinner South of the Border? Or at least bring a little Oaxacan flavor to your holiday table. The Lopez family is preparing treasured family recipes featuring two different dinner options ($88 and $98), each feeding 8-10 people. One includes a 12-14 lb turkey prepared with a rub of guajillo chiles served with mashed black beans with smoked avocado leaves. The other features a turkey roasted with chile paste, spices and chocolate and served with a side of smoky spicy mole. Both menus include Spaghetti with Poblano Pepper Sauce, Dessert Salad and Mexican Rolls. The ordering cutoff date is November 21.

Golden City Seafood

960 N. Hill St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012.
(213) 253-2660

This Chinatown favorite draws diners from miles around looking for an Imperial approach to holiday dining. A savory BBQ Roasted Young Turkey is prepared in the style of the classic roasted Peking Duck -- marinated for 24 hours in a soy-based, Chinese spiced marinade and hung upside down in an oven to cook. The result is a crispy seared skin bird that is far juicier than traditionally roasted fowl. Pan fried sticky rice with bits of sausage and shitake mushrooms takes the place of stuffing on the side. The meal feeds four for $49.00 and orders are taken three days in advance.

Malibu and Vine

901 Encinal Canyon Road
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 889-6680
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The restaurant at the Malibu Country Club has put together a mouth-watering menu that takes the guesswork out of your planning. They will package up a four-course meal featuring organic turkey breast and all the sides with a modern gourmet twist in disposable reheatable containers for only $24 per person (4 person minimum). That leaves you plenty of room to add in a takeout six-pack of local wine pairings specially selected to go with this menu for only $125.

Noelle Wright is a freelance writer and producer living in Los Angeles.

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