A Moonraker Thanksgiving Dinner + Wine Pairings

A 4 course Thanksgiving dinner paired with wine and an ocean view at Moonraker Restaurant in Pacifica, CA.

For some Thanksgiving is a tradition for cooking an actual turkey at home.

For me, it is the opportunity to dine out. Judging by the crowds I see annually, apparently others take advantage of this opportunity too.

This year, I chose Moonraker in Pacifica with expansive ocean views and fresh seafood. Since I was late to make reservations, it had reservations available just 2 days before the big day.

Whether they were overbooked or understaffed, the implications of COVID screamed loud and clear.

1. Many people are dying to eat out and do all the things they used to do.
2. Restaurants are understaffed and not super equipped to handle this barrage of sudden demand after a year of pandemic lockdown.

While I was grateful to be eating and dining inside a restaurant at all, I just felt terrible for the restaurant staff. Waiters were running, literally running, to each table, and the meal progressed at a snail’s pace, so I knew the kitchen staff struggled to keep up with the constant orders.

A big, heartfelt thank you to the restaurant and staff for being open and providing a special meal to enjoy on this holiday.

Thanksgiving Menu

Maple Bacon Brie Bite

Crostini topped with melted brie, maple syrup, and pomegranate seeds

Appetizer Paired with 2018 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Fume Blanc

Choice of 1 of the following:

Fall Pear Carpaccio – with pomegranate seeds, spiced pecans, goat cheese

Butternut Squash Bisque – toasted hazelnuts, chives

Artichoke Dip – garlic crostini, gruyere cheese

Main Course Paired with 2020 Daou Vineyards Paso Robles Chardonnay

Choice of 1 of the following:

Local Filet of Petrale Sole – porcini dusted, broccolini, mashed potatoes, oven dried tomato, lemon caper sauce

Slow Roasted Turkey – rosemary butter basted light & dark turkey meat, cranberry orange relish, maple mashed yams, sausage & sage stuffing, brussel sprouts with bacon and chestnuts, truffled turkey gravy

Slow Cooked Lamb Shank – sweet potato mash, broccolini, lemon olive sauce

Dessert Paired with Late Harvest Royal Tokaji

Choice of 1 of the following:

Pumpkin Cheesecake – whipped cream, pumpkin seed brittle

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp – granny smith apples, caramel truffle gelato

Chocolate Mousse – chocolate mousse, amaretto cherries, whipped cream, crushed hazelnuts

$69.96 per person, $39 wine pairing