The Bird

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I am firmly in the “why-don’t-we-eat-turkey-once-a-week camp ”.  And Ide Ehigiato, owner of Inspired Turkey in New Haven, is right there with me.  His fledgling company aims to change our minds about the once-a-year feast. An engineer by trade, he’s figured out (scientifically) how to make the juiciest bird. First, a marinade in a proprietary spice and herb blend, then 30 minutes in a pressure fryer. The results are so succulent and tasty (and not at all greasy) you, too, will consider adding Inspired Turkeys to your dinner party rotation. We sprung a 12-pounder on guests the other night and we all agreed that this could solve our annual turkey anxiety.  Ide sells his turkeys right up until Thanksgiving Day for us procrastinators, and provides simple reheating instructions. Missing far flung family over the holidays? Send them an Inspired Turkey overnight.  Order ahead for $60 (average 11 lbs.) or for those waiting til the very last minute, walk in on Turkey Day and pick up a bird for $85.  203.800.5735. Full dinners with sides available, too.

www.inspiredturkey.com

Looking for something different this year? Try a turducken! These show-stopping turkeys are served boneless with a pinwheel of turkey, duck and chicken inside the cavity. Traditional stuffing or apple cranberry walnut stuffing can also be layered in by request. Order ahead at Shoreline Prime Meats in Branford by November 24th for a minimum of 10 pounds at $6.99/lb.     shorelineprime.com

If you’re wont for the tried-and-true traditional, head to Walt’s Food Market in Old Saybrook. Here you’ll find high-quality Waybest – all-natural white breast turkeys raised on farms in New York and Pennyslvania. We’re told free-rangers will also be available. This iconic market recently celebrated its 50th year in business, and it still charms me that Katharine Hepburn was a regular shopper here. $2.89 per pound. (860.388.3308) or stop in at 178 Main Street to reserve your bird. Order from a full range of traditional sides here, too.

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Also in the vein of tradition, La Rosticceria in Guilford is now taking orders for white-breasted, free-range Tom turkeys from Ekonk Hill Farm in Moosup – up to 24 pounds, but order before November 14th. $5.95/lb. www.guilfordtakeout.com or 203.458.8885.

Broad-Breasted Bronze turkeys ramble and snack on organic farm produce like kale and lettuce at White Gate Farm in East Lyme. $6.50/lb, between 14 and 20 lbs.  To order one, leave a $50 deposit at the farm stand with your preferred weight. Turkeys are first come, first served so the sooner you collect the better.

whitegatefarm.net

We love Forte’s Market in Guilford for their gourmet butcher shop, super sweet service and array of locally made products. For Thanksgiving they’re offering free range birds and a host of interesting sides like sweet potato and cauliflower mash or maple glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon. For an extra $29.95 they’ll cook your bird and provide a quart of homemade gravy.  fortesmarket.com

Head to Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford for organic D’Artagnan turkeys.  bishopsorchards.com

 

Tags: Thanksgiving, turkey, take out, catering, fried turkey,