Celebration Blog

Here is a sampling of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Many require reservations, so be sure to call ahead of time.

A Land Remembered, Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, 407-996-3663, rosenshinglecreek.com: A la carte menu 5:30-10 p.m. Florida residents receive 25 percent off with proper identification.

Beauclaire Restaurant, Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora; 1-800-556-5016 or 352-383-4101, lakeside-inn.com: Brunch buffet includes piano entertainment while you dine. The cost is $34.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages 6-12 years.

Benihana, 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Orlando, 407-827-4865, benihana.com: Regular menu ($13-$43) served 4-10 p.m., plus hibachi steak for two for $37.

Bountiful Home Suite Home, Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 407-996-1289, rosencentre.com: The private buffet, antipasto spread and Viennese dessert table is offered in the executive suites. Cost is $2,000 for a minimum of 10 guests and includes the use of the suite and two adjoining bedrooms overnight, with check-in on Thanksgiving Day and check-out the following day. The meal can be served at your choice of 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.

Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse, Waldorf Astoria, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, 407-597-5500, waldorfastoriaorlando.com: Three-course Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with turkey, pork and beef — all carved tableside. A seafood item will also be featured. Bull & Bear will reopen for dinner at 6 p.m. with additional Thanksgiving items to the a la carte menu. Midday Thanksgiving meal is $90 for adults, $35 for children.

Café Gaugin, Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 407-996-9840, Ext. 3593, rosencentre.com: From 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. a champagne brunch buffet will be served. Cost for adults is $39.95, $16.95 for children ages 4-12. Tax and gratuity not included.

Café Osceola, Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, 407-996-3663 (parties of 10 or more, call 407-996-9770), rosenshinglecreek.com: Holiday buffet with a dessert extravaganza will be served 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The cost is $55.95 for adults, $24.95 for children ages 4-12. Tax and gratuity not included. Florida residents receive 25 percent off with proper identification.

Columbia Restaurant, 649 Front St., Celebration, 407-566-1505, columbiarestaurant.com: At 11 a.m. the restaurant will begin serving a traditional meal of roast Vermont turkey, Columbia stuffing, fresh vegetables, whipped potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and giblet gravy. Dinner also includes hot Cuban bread and butter, a choice of Spanish bean, black bean or gazpacho soup, or Caesar salad. Cost is $19.95 for adults, $5.95 for children under 10. The complete dinner menu is also available all day.

Capriccio Grill at The Peabody Orlando, 9801 International Drive, Orlando, 407-345-4570, peabodyorlando.com: Champagne brunch with iced seafood, pumpkin ravioli with sage, short ribs, turkey, assorted brick oven pizzas and smoked ham with three mustard sauce. Adults are $59.50, $25 for children ages 6-12.

Fiorella's Cucina Toscana, Westin Imagine Orlando, 9599 Universal Blvd., 407-233-2950, fiorellasorlando.com: From 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., guests will be greeted with hot apple cider as they sit down to a holiday menu that includes an antipasto station, entrees such as cider-roasted turkey with giblet gravy and hickory-smoked prime rib with rosemary jus. The price is $49 for adults, $19 for children ages 4-12, free for children younger than 4. Free valet parking.

Garden Grove, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-1609, swandolphin.com: From 1-9 p.m., the Swan is hosting a family friendly Thanksgiving buffet with visits from Disney characters. Cost is $35.95 for adults, $15.95 for children ages 3-9, free for children younger than age 3.

Highland Manor, 604 E. Main St., Apopka, 407-886-6226, highlandmanorapopka.com: From 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. a traditional grand buffet will be served for $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 12 and younger. For $5 more per person, the restaurant will send you home with leftovers.

Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-1609, swandolphinrestaurants.com: From 5-11 p.m. guests can enjoy braised stuffed turkey breast, Italian turkey sausage, sweet potato and parsnip puree, brussels sprout leaves and bacon and warm cranberry sauce. The cost is $27 for adults, $16 for children age 9 and younger.

Islands Dining Room, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando; 407-503-3463. A champagne buffet from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. will feature a smoked seafood display, sushi, stir fry and omelet stations, slow-roasted Carolina turkey, prime rib of beef, pan-seared black grouper, roasted breast of pheasant, along with freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes and pies. Entertainment will feature Universal Orlando characters, face painter, balloon twister and hula dancers. Cost is $43.95 for adults (champagne included), $17.95 guests age 12 and younger and free for children age 3 and younger.

La Hacienda and Nicker's restaurants, at Mission Inn Resort & Club, 10400 County Road 48, Howey-In-The-Hills, 1-800-874-9053 or 352-324-2024, Ext. 23, missioninnresort.com: From 11 a.m.-5 p.m., both restaurants will serve a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. The cost is $34.99 for adults, $17.99 for children ages 5-12 years old. Does not include gratuity and tax.

The Kitchen, at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando; 407-503-3463: Buffet will be served 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., featuring chilled shellfish bar, cider-glazed roasted turkey, hickory-smoked prime rib roast, slow-roasted country ham, maple-glazed cedar plank salmon, plus salads, soups, sides, nibblers and desserts. Entertainment will feature Universal Orlando characters, magic man, face painter and a balloon artist. Cost is $44 for adults, $17 for guests ages 12 and younger and free for children age 3 and younger.

Norman's, Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, 407-393-4488, normans.com: A three-course menu showcasing both holiday inspired creations as signature dishes will be served from 5-9 p.m. The cost is $85 for adults, $35 for children.

Presidential Home Suite Home, Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 407-996-1289, rosencentre.com: The chef-attended four-course menu features an antipasto starter, a salad course and the main course with traditional roast turkey with the trimmings and a Viennese dessert table. Cost is $3,000 for a minimum of 10 guests and includes the use of the suite and two adjoining bedrooms overnight, with check-in on Thanksgiving Day and check-out the following day. The meal can be served at your choice of 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.

Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando, 407-996- 0256, rosenplaza.com: Holiday buffet from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. is $31.95 for adults, $15.95 children ages 5-12, free for children 4 and younger with each paying adult. Taxes and gratuity not included.

Royal Crest Room, Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, 5330 Michigan Ave., St. Cloud, 407-891-0903, royalstcloudgolflinks.com: From 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. a traditional Thanksgiving buffet will be served with carving stations and desserts. The cost is $23.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, $11.95 children ages 4-12, and free for children age 3 and younger.

Todd English's bluezoo, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-1609, swandolphinrestaurants.com: From 5-11 p.m., enjoy the regular menu along with butternut squash soup with maple crème fraiche ($11) and Willie Bird organic turkey with bluezoo-style sides ($29).

Trattoria del Porto, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, 5601 Universal Blvd. Orlando; 407-503-3463: Champagne buffet from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. featuring chilled seafood, omelets and crepes to order (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), risotto station (2-8 p.m.), slow-roasted maple brined turkey and stuffed leg of lamb. Entertainment will include Universal Orlando characters, children's arts and crafts table, face painter and balloon twister. Cost is $46 (champagne included) for adults, $23 guests ages 12 and younger, and free for children age 3 and younger.

Vineyard Grill, Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, 407-393-4488, grandelakes.com or ritzcarlton.com: Festive holiday brunch with live entertainment from noon- 9 p.m. Cost is $89 for adults, $39 for children.