Ready-to-Heat Thanksgiving Meals Popular at Los Altos Markets

If the prospect of roasting a turkey in the oven just doesn't appeal this holiday or your kitchen's in disarray, local grocery store delicatessans offer variety and ease at Thanksgiving.

Want free-range? Organic and free-range? Chinese-style turkey? Need sides and pie? They've got your Thanksgiving table covered.

Alas, it's too late for Dittmer's smoked turkeys, or A.G. Ferrari's turkey with glorious sides, but there's still time to a little time to order via Andronico's, Whole Food Market and 99 Ranch.

Deadlines are blowing by fast (Draeger's and Whole Foods took their last orders Monday.)

Andronico's has the latest deadline—Wednesday—but don't delay. "We're running low," Los Altos store manager Enrique Sanchez warns, "We may not last 'til Wednesday."

If you miss those deadlines, always check with the deli section, anyway, said Gaetano Paolilli, the team leader handling the prepared foods at Whole Foods. He usually has a few extra turkeys and can try to accomodate the latecomers, but there are no guarantees.

"Give it a try," Paolilli said. "I've got a several I haven't counted in my (cooked meals) inventory."

Plus, many of the stores deli sections have interesting side dishes—including vegetarian options—that could round out the table for the time-stressed host.  

Andronico 690 Rancho Shopping Ctr Los Altos, CA 94024, (650) 948-6648

Diestel Turkey dinner (8-10 people) with herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry apple chutney, green beans with herb butter, 12 dinner rolls, 9-inch pumpkin pie, $129.99 (There are also turkey-only options, including Mary's free-range and Mary's organic, and a vegan dinner for two).

Order by Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Draeger's, 342 1st St Los Altos, CA 94022, 650-948-4425

Diestel Turkey dinner (8-10 people) with stuffing, cranberry relish, gravy, sides of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, string beans almondine, a dozen rolls and pumpkin pie, $169.95 (extensive larger and smaller menus available)

Order by Monday, Nov. 19, NOON
Thanksgiving orders must be picked-up by 4 PM, Wednesday, November 21 (Draeger's is closed Thanksgiving Day)

4800 El Camino Real Los Altos, CA 94022, 650-559-0300

Organic Diestel Turkey dinner (8-10 people) with savory herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, 9-inch pumpkin pie. $149.99 (smaller or larger dinners available, $79.99 -$279.99, southwest style, ham or goose); order online or in person.

99 Ranch Market, 1350 Grant Rd Mountain View, CA 94040, 650-966-8899

Roast Turkey Dinner, (10-12 people) made with Chinese style seasoning (five-spice predominates) with squid and shrimp with sugar pea, sweet and sour pork rib, mushrooms and vegetable, braised Rock Cod, soy sauce chow mein, $138.88 + tax, (two smaller options available, including turkey with one side).

Order by Tuesday in person

Sprouts

Roast Turkey Dinner (6-8 people) with sides of green beans Almondine, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn bread stuffing, cranberry-orange relish, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie for $59.99 (smaller option available).

Order 48 hours from pick-up (Tuesday deadline for Thursday).