THANKSGIVING IDEAS #7: The Oval Room, Downtown

Restaurants throughout the nation’s capital are giving diners plenty of reasons to give thanks this holiday season by offering a cornucopia of culinary offerings to make Thanksgiving memorable. Some have stress-free “to go” options while others offer a chance to celebrate in style with great service and no dishes or leftovers to tackle. From classic American classics to barbecue and Indian fare in the mix, Thanksgiving takes on an international flare for feasting.

At The Oval Room, Executive Chef John Melfi is preparing a three-course holiday menu offered from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., priced at $55 per person, excluding gratuity and tax. 

Serving up flavors of the season in an innovative fashion, Melfi will feature a menu that includes Foie Gras “Crème Brûlée” with toasted chestnut, sage, puffed rice and red wine apple butter; Marinated Burrata with shaved Autumn vegetable salad and spicy pumpkin seed vinaigrette; Hakurei Turnip Velouté with black cherry purée, toasted walnuts and pickled celery, as well as Black Pepper Cavatelli with crispy bacon, dried cranberries, winter truffle and chestnut brown butter.  Main courses include Red Bourbon Turkey with oyster cornbread stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry chutney and giblet gravy; Pan Roasted Duck Breast with parmesan polenta, broccoli rabe, garlic confit and apple cider gastrique; Grilled New York Strip with charred salsify, roasted mushrooms, cipollini in agrodolce and madeira jus, as well as Acquerello Risotto roasted honey nut squash, compressed apples, dried cherries and pecorino cheese.  To complete the meal, dessert options include Warm Amaretto Bread Pudding with toasted chestnuts, black plum and eggnog ice cream; Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Bar with salted caramel ice cream, or Honeycrisp Apple and Quince Tart with brown butter streusel and whipped crème fraîche. 

Valet parking is available at The Oval Room for $8.  

For reservations, call (202) 463-8700 or visit http://www.ovalroom.com/.

The Oval Room, is located at 

800 Connecticut Avenue, NW