Thanksgiving: A Time for Giving Thanks… to Food

When it comes to feasting and loading up on your favorite seasonal dishes, there is no holiday more appropriate than Thanksgiving. While every parent wants to remind their child that Thanksgiving is all about “giving thanks” for good health and company, the one thing that we college students cannot seem to give enough thanks for, is food. Even if you spend Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, who says you can’t enjoy sweet potatoes, turkey and mashed potatoes throughout the month, or even the year? We college students have many things to be thankful for, and these three Thanksgiving-themed specialties around Madison are surely among them.

Ian’s Pizza

Every student in Madison is familiar with Ian’s Pizza, but if you’re not, then you have some studying – and eating – to do. Ian’s is famous for the variety of pizza slices they showcase throughout the year, including the unforgettable Mac ‘n Cheese slice, and this seasonal gem, the Thanksgiving slice. On this loaded, November-only delicacy, you will find turkey breast, stuffing, gravy, mushrooms, cranberries and green beans. Not only is this a Thanksgiving feast in itself, but it is also thrown on top of Ian’s classic crust, making your feast that much more portable.

Cooper’s Tavern

One Madison restaurant that has consistently won the hearts of foodies alike is Cooper’s Tavern. The comfort food streaming out of this rustic, reasonably priced restaurant is sure to leave its customers full and satisfied, especially the Sweet Potato Chili. This vegetarian dish, containing chipotle-roasted black beans and a side of cornbread, is served year-round, but it is especially appealing during the holiday season. Sweet potatoes play a healthy and inexpensive role in holiday cooking, making this hearty chili from Cooper’s a great go-to for vegetarians this Thanksgiving.

Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry

Now, when I think of Thanksgiving, I think of heavy dishes that send you straight into a food coma before you’re finished eating. One meal that could surely give you this beyond-full feeling is the Chicken Pot Pie at Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry. Not only is this potpie full of chicken, veggies and diced potatoes, but it is also topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a puff pastry, satisfying all of your holiday hunger. There may not be any cranberries or stuffing in this comforting dish, but I wouldn’t mind seeing this at my Thanksgiving feast later this month.

Thanksgiving is a time of celebration and food has always been a signature part of this celebration. Madison gives us the opportunity to continue the holiday feasting once Thanksgiving has passed, and while we may not be able to find our grandma’s golden turkey at an eatery around the Capital, every restaurant gives us another reason to be thankful this year.