WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – With Thanksgiving nearly here, there is plenty to be thankful for. For one, we have nearly made it through another year (of course we have the holiday season ahead, which for some can feel like a year in itself). Secondly, we get to speed time with friends and family (or away from them depending on who you are thinking of). And lastly, all these wonderful little special menu items and handhelds that celebrate Thanksgiving and its plethora of tasty treats.
From brunch dishes to sandwiches, there is a cornucopia of options to choose from. The question is, do you want to splurge ahead of Turkey Day and enjoy one of these following selections? Of course you do! Let’s take a look at what is on offer around Wilmington right now.
“Churkeychanga” – Flaming Amy’s
Not even news that Flaming Amy’s Oleander location is up for sale (the building not the business) could dampen my enthusiasm to crush one of these changas. The “Churkeychanga ” is a deep-fried chimichanga, crammed with roasted turkey breast, garlic mashed potatoes and jalapeno cornbread stuffing. Then it’s lathered in jalapeno gravy and served with a side of cranberry salsa. It’s a south-of-the-border version of your typical leftover sandwich, and even better, there’s no extra side of potatoes tempting you to eat more (your waistline will thank you later).
“The Gobbler” – Pine Valley Market
Pine Valley Market’s “The Gobbler” might be my favorite of the bunch, and for good reason, everything just tastes like you could have taken it from your own Thanksgiving table and put this together. Mounds of thick cut roasted turkey, topped with homemade stuffing, collard greens, fresh cranberry sauce, turkey gravy and roasted garlic aioli make up this behemoth of a sandwich. I would recommend grabbing an extra dipping cup of turkey gravy, as the savory goodness only adds to the overall experience (you will want some more napkins too).
“The Leftovers” – CheeseSmith
Everyone’s favorite grilled cheese restaurant has their own Pilgrim-endorsed sandwich with “The Leftovers.” CheeseSmith loads this hefty bird with sliced turkey, cornbread stuffing, rosemary mayo, potato chips, cranberry sauce and of course, lots of ooey gooey melted Muenster cheese. It’s also served with a side of gravy for dipping. It’s a really fun take on a Thanksgiving sandwich, complete with ingredients that you typically wouldn’t think of throwing on your own post-feast creation. If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, and Thanksgiving leftovers, then this is what you have been waiting for (which, I think that’s just about all of us).
“Messgiving Chicken Sandwich” – Mess Hall
This year the fine folks at Mess Hall flipped the script on their typical Thanksgiving offering and went with a bird, instead of a burger. Although it’s not THAT bird, this souped-up chicken sandwich should be on your holiday wishlist. A stuffing-breaded chicken thigh, topped with collard greens, herb gravy and Panacea triple berry kombucha cranberry sauce. You can enjoy this behemoth throughout the month.
“Thanksgiving Stuffed Pretzel” – Crofton’s Pretzels
Crofton’s is well known for their wide variety of stuffed pretzels. You can typically find everything from a Philly Cheesesteak Pretzel to a jalapeno popper version, or a pretzel loaded with pepperoni, hot honey and cheese. But this time of year, Crofton’s fills up one of their homemade pretzels with shaved turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry butter. It may not seem like much, but this pretzel is hefty, and a perfect Thanksgiving handheld when you’re on the go.
“Turkey Gobbler Taco” – Block Taco
Each year South Front’s Block Taco comes up with a holiday invention that hits the spot. Last time around there were flautas, now you have some tacos to dive into. Roasted turkey breast, smothered in turkey gravy and topped with crispy onions, spicy cranberry sauce, parsley and some cotija cheese (there had to be some Mexican elements involved). This is another solid handheld and goes down perfectly with an ice cold beverage from Satellite next door.
“The Margaret” – The Half
Possibly the best sandwich shop in Wilmington doesn’t allow Thanksgiving to pass them by without taking a swing at their own mouthwatering creation. One of the many things I like about The Half, is they often include ingredients on sandwiches that you wouldn’t think to put between two slices of bread. “The Margaret” is no different, with a healthy amount of green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, stuffing, turkey and gravy mayo. It’s so good, I’ve heard some people say it has changed their life.
“Feast Burger” – Winnie’s Tavern
One of my favorite Thanksgiving-inspired plates is back in full swing this year. Winnie’s Tavern has unleashed their “Feast Burger” to loads of anticipation and adoring crowds. Wilmington’s famous burger shack boasts a bodacious holiday special that is piled high with a juicy patty of ground turkey and sage pork, deep fried stuffing, gravy, provolone cheese, bacon, sage and garlic aioli and homemade cranberry sauce. Plus, you get a pile of handcut sweet potato fries, tossed in cinnamon and sugar with a cup of honey for dipping.
“Turkey Stromboli” – Italian Bistro (Porter’s Neck, Surf City and Monkey Junction)
Could Thanksgiving really be complete without an Italian version of this holiday leftover sandwich? The answer is probably “yes” but for the purposes of this article, the correct response is a resounding “no!” Every year the Italian Bistro trots out this fan favorite, complete with slow-roasted turkey, stuffing and since it’s a stromboli, loads of mozzarella. They also throw in sides of turkey gravy and cranberry sauce to bring home the Thanksgiving feels. The normal size is enough for two, the large, probably enough for a family. Whatever you choose, know that it is delicious.
“Thanksgiving Benedict” – Eternal Sunshine Cafe
How about a breakfast or brunch option that screams Thanksgiving? Who can say no to that? Eternal Sunshine Cafe’s “Thanksgiving Benedict” is decidedly elevated, but if anything the ingredient deck here only makes me want to devour this dish even more. A stacked benedict with pumpkin and cornbread stuffing, cranberry compote, duck confit, poached eggs and a lovely duck jus hollandaise sauce. It’s not a sandwich per se, but well worth a spot on this list.
Know of another Thanksgiving-inspired dish I might have missed (I’m sure there are several out there) be sure to shoot me a message at Corey.Preece@gray.tv. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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