Table Talk for November 22

Turkey talk…There are those among us who don’t want to dirty the kitchen for a long-and-lengthy Thanksgiving dinner. For those souls leaving the cooking to someone else, there are dozens of Denver-area restaurants dishing up turkey dinners (and regular menus for tryptophan shunners). To name a few: McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant (8100 E. Union Ave., 720-200-9339), McCormick’s Fish House & Bar (1659 Wazee St., 303-825-1107), The Fort (19192 Colorado Highway 8, Morrison, 303-697-4771, Ellyngton’s and The Palace Arms (in the Brown Palace, 321 17th St., 303-297-3111), Mirepoix (in the JW Marriott, 150 Clayton Lane, 303-253-3000), Prima (in the Hotel Teatro, 1106 14th St., 303-228-0770), and Chinook Tavern (265 Detroit St., 303-394-0015). If these selections don’t fit the bill, try www.opentable.com for a list of Front Range restaurants open on Thanksgiving.

Sugar and spice…Beaver Creek marks the opening of the ski season on Wednesday, November 23 with a cookie competition—which means 5,000 free, freshly baked goodies for the tasting. Skiers and gawkers can snack and vote on five varieties of chocolate-chip cookies from 2-2:30 by the ice rink in Beaver Creek Plaza. The winner will reign as the resort’s signature cookie. 1-800-404-3535, www.beavercreek.com.

Stop in the name of love…If you’re racing down Lincoln Avenue it would be easy to miss Buffalo Doughboy Bakery on the corner of Lincoln and Dakota. Slam on the brakes, go around the block…do whatever you need to do to get a hold of this bakery’s rustic pastries, flaky croissants, and “Old World” breads. According to a sign posted near the cash register, the baked-goods—which are made on site each morning—are ever-changing: “Due to the instability and temperament of our baker, we don’t know what the hell he’ll make on any given day…” Given the opportunity, opt for a savory brioche delicately filled with Gruyère cheese and honey ham—buttery and satisfying with the magic coming from the liberal sprinkling of crunchy salt. On a sweet note, skinny “crocodile” pastries are dotted with whole, salted pecans and taste like a gooey pecan-apple pie. Buffalo Doughboy is closed November 24 and 25 but will reopen on Saturday—just in time for weekend coffee klatches. 33 E. Dakota Ave., 303-722-9477.