Bell Book & Candle: A West Village Destination for Thanksgiving

by | Nov 22, 2016 | Dining

Photo: Michael Weber

Photo: Michael Weber

If you’re looking to spend Thanksgiving somewhere cozy and let someone else baste the turkey, stop into the West Village’s Bell Book & Candle — described by locals as “a hidden gem” — at 141 West 10th Street.

The restaurant’s warm “underground” den is incredibly warm and inviting, sophisticated enough to charm but not so much that it intimidates.

It’s the ideal backdrop for a special turkey-day meal, a menu that will include a choice of Rooftop Greens or Butternut Squash Soup with fried sage, followed by Heritage Turkey from Lancaster with Pan Gravy served with Sourdough Sage Stuffing, chive Mashed Potato, Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, John’s Special Cranberry Sauce, and Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Candied Pecan. Save room for that Brown Bag Apple Pie with Crème Fraiche Ice Cream.

Be sure to get those greens in: they actually come from the roof of the building. For the past six years, the food program has centered around local, organic, sustainable and overall responsible procurement of ingredients, used to build seasonal menus that also pull, literally, from the aeroponic roof-top tower garden six stories above the restaurant.

The menu is designed, in price and portion, based on the number of diners in your group — if you’ve got a big family, they can find room for everyone, as long as you reserve your spots.

“Thanksgiving is my all-time favorite holiday,” said Executive Chef John Mooney. “I love cooking traditional American meals, and when the restaurant is filled, it feels like one huge family. Nothing can beat it.”

Chef Mooney’s career has taken him on a winding, global culinary journey overseeing kitchen operations everywhere from India to Ireland and ultimately back to New York City. We’re glad he’s home for the holidays.

$55 per person; children under 10 years of age: $30

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