Two Ways to Do Thanksgiving in South Florida: Kiki on the River and Ten Palms at Gulfstream Park

Thanksgiving falls on November 26 this year, and two South Florida restaurants are worth booking early. Kiki on the River brings the holiday to the Miami River with a Greek-inflected feast from Chef Wladimir. Ten Palms at Gulfstream Park pairs a full Thanksgiving buffet with live horse racing on Opening Day of the Championship Meet — one of the more unusual ways to spend the holiday in South Florida.

Kiki on the River runs its Thanksgiving Holiday Feast from 5 to 11pm at $55 per person. The menu is built around Chef Wladimir's classics: Herb Roasted Turkey with rosemary, thyme, and turkey jus; Truffle Brioche Stuffing with toasted brioche, sage, celery, caramelized onion, and truffle; Whipped Butternut Squash with brown butter, feta, toasted pistachio, and hot honey; Green Beans Almondine with haricots verts, toasted almonds, crispy shallots, and cranberry; Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish with orange, cinnamon, and fresh mint; and Pumpkin Cheesecake with spiced pumpkin, pistachio crumble, salted caramel, and Chantilly cream. Reservations at kikiontheriver.com or 786-502-3242.

Ten Palms at Gulfstream Park runs from 11am to 3pm at $75++ per person (tax and gratuity not included). The buffet includes a salad bar, fresh fruit, charcuterie and cheese, fresh Gulf shrimp, and a carving station with sous vide tri-tip and honey ham served with beef au jus, giblet turkey gravy, and horseradish crème. Mains and sides include herb roasted turkey breast, butternut squash ravioli with pistachio cream, pomegranate glazed salmon, apricot and sausage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet corn casserole, candied baby carrots and parsnips, creamed spinach, baked million dollar mac and cheese, marsala creamed mushrooms, cranberry glazed cocktail meatballs, French onion boules, and brie and raspberry purses. The meal runs alongside Opening Day of the Championship Meet — live Thoroughbred racing on the track. Book at gulfstreampark.com.

Kiki on the River: 450 NW North River Drive, Miami. Thanksgiving Nov 26, 5–11pm. $55/person. kikiontheriver.com | 786-502-3242. Ten Palms at Gulfstream Park: 901 S Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach. Thanksgiving Nov 26, 11am–3pm. $75++ per person. gulfstreampark.com.