Give Thanks for Chefs in the Kitchen Fixing Dine-Out and Homeward Bound Thanksgiving Feasts

When the priorities are connecting with family and sitting down to count blessings ‘round the table, let someone else handle the stress of preparing the turkey, ham, sides and desserts.

Head Out for Bountiful Buffets 

From 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 5Church Atlanta offers a special three-course menu; $35 per adult and $17 for children 13 and under. Call 404-400-3669 for reservations.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is going all out, serving a Big Green Egg-smoked turkey breast with caramelized apple and sage stuffing and cider gravy; braised pork shoulder with roasted root vegetables and a bourbon glaze; green bean casserole with crispy onions and roasted mushrooms; roasted garlic mashed potatoes; cranberry Grand Marnier compote; sweet potato biscuits; and for dessert, Southern pecan pie and pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust. $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for kids under 10. Doors open at 4 p.m.; reservations strongly recommended by calling 404-876-7249.

Marietta’s Chicken and the Egg will serve a Southern Thanksgiving feast prepared with responsibly sourced ingredients from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Choose from a smoked turkey breast or a sorghum and mustard-glazed ham with a choice of three sides (cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, creamed corn and green bean casserole). For dessert, choose from apple cobbler, pecan or pumpkin pie, all for $27.50 for adults and $12.50 for children 6-12. Order to-go dinners to feed parties of six to eight ($90) or 10-12 ($125). Call the restaurant at 678-388-8813 to order by Nov. 21.

Ray’s Restaurants is known for its Thanksgiving buffets serving Thanksgiving favorites and Ray’s signature offerings from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. At Ray’s on the River, enjoy commanding views of the Chattahoochee alongside roasted turkey and herb-roasted prime rib for $45.95 per adult and $22.95 per child (ages 5-10). Help yourself to a Cajun-fried whole Bell and Evans turkey or a Big Green Egg peppered barbecue brisket at Ray’s at Killer Creek for $39.95 per adult and $19.95 per child. Dig into a carved suckling pig or steamship of beef at Ray’s in the City, also priced at $39.95 per adult and $19.95 per child. For full menus, visit raysrestaurants.com.

Bypass the Grocery for Thanksgiving to Go…and Keep Moving by Dancing All Night

Be the host with the most delicious bird around by treating guests to a 12- to 14-pound apple-brined and smoked turkey from Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails -- decked out with Madeira gravy and sage-corn spoonbread to comfortably feed six to eight guests for only $85. Sides available upon request. Order online by Nov. 18 for pick up Nov. 22-23.

Eyes are on the pies that The Southern Gentleman pastry chef Kelly Lovett is preparing -- fresh pumpkin, apple crisp and Georgia pecan pies. Regular-sized 10-inch pies are $35; mini-pies serving one to two are $7. Place orders by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and pick up Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For ordering information, visit tsgpies.eventbrite.com.

Nap? Not! Cap a day of caloric excess by dancing the night away at Johnny’s Hideaway.  Buckhead’s long-running nightlife landmark will be open from 7 p.m.-3 a.m.