Thanksgiving Made Easy

Local restaurants are doing their part to alleviate some of the cooking stress that's associated with Thanksgiving.  Nana’s and Eppes Essen, two delis, are preparing homestyle dinners that go beyond turkey.  Meanwhile, Kings Super Market is offering catered meals to suit families of varying sizes.

Here's a sampling of what they'll offer:

Nana’s, an old world Jewish/Italian deli that specializes in a secret-recipe tuna sandwich, is giving customers unusual Thanksgiving fare outside of the usual turkey legs, crudités, sweet potato pie and an assortment of cakes.

Nana’s adds a twist by offering matzo balls ($6.00 per tray), chopped liver ($12.95 per pound), sweet noodle pudding ($12.95 each), a special cereal stuffing ($12.95 per tray), kasha varnishkas ($6.95 per pound), mini potato pancakes ($0.75 each) and rugelach ($11.95 per pound).  Nana’s also concentrates more on chicken, with four different chicken meals between $12 and $18.  Nana's tuna, famous around Livingston, is also offered as an appetizer ($12.95 per pound and feeds four).

Nana’s Deli is located at 127 South Livingston Avenue.  Orders can be called in ahead of time at 973-740-1940.  Walk-ins are accepted, though customers that didn’t pre-order are encouraged to come at around 10:00  a.m. on Wednesday.  Nana’s is not open Thanksgiving Day.

Eppes Essen, a Jewish-style deli and restaurant, is providing similar fare with a more traditional edge. Eppes Essen will offer whole or carved roasted turkeys with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy between $5.99 and $8.99 per pound.  Assorted potatoes and vegetable dishes are available between $5.85 and $6.50 per pound.  There is a variety of salads including Israeli salad at $7.99 per pound. 

Cakes and pies are available as well as rugelach ($7.50 per package), Eli Zabar Brownies ($2.50), a Russian bobka ring ($14.99), chocolate bobka ($11.99) and noodle or bread puddings in 7-inch rounds ($12.99).

Eppes Essen is located at 105 East Mount Pleasant Avenue and is open on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  They always accept take-out, but suggest calling ahead of time for turkey.  Customers can call 973-994-1120 or visit http://www.eppesessen.com/Menu/thanksgivingmenu.pdf for a copy of the Thanksgiving menu.  

Kings is offering complete dinners for families ranging from 6 to 18-people (prices from from $69.99 to $199.99).  Meals include turkey, gravy, choice of side dishes, and mix-and-match sides. 

Other appetizers, stuffing, soups, vegetables, and sides can be purchased separately by platter or per pound.  Traditional puddings and soufflés are offered at around $5.99 per pound, while holiday, natural juice pies and cakes are available  in assorted flavors at prices between $7.99 and $12.99.

The Livingston Kings is located at 255 South Livingston Avenue and is open 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Thanksgiving day.  A 72-hour advanced ordering policy is in effect, though customers can walk-in and purchase dinner items separately. To see the full catering menu, visit: http://www.kingswebsite.com/catering/thanksgiving.pdf.