You’re already dreaming of grabbing that slice of perfectly roasted turkey from your festive table filled with the usual suspects of dressing, gravy and cranberry sauce. But why enjoy this tasty treat only one day a year? In other words, why wait? These dishes will inspire you to try turkey any day you feel the hankering. Soon enough, you’ll be talkin’ turkey after gobbling up the burgers, sandwiches and even salads that contain this friendly fowl and all its juicy goodness. So check out how these restaurants pay homage to some tasty turkey dishes in our neck of the woods.
The Sweet Hawaiian
BYO Burger
Take a little island adventure by trying this juicy burger topped with turkey, ham, grilled pineapple and salsa on a multigrain bun. Although the burgers are named BYO, for Build-Your-Own, the owner, Sam Wadi, still wanted a few burgers on their menu that would give people combination ideas. This dandy combines the sweetness of the pineapple with the moistness of the turkey and a perfectly cooked burger to create a unique and flavorful bite. $6.99.
Zany Mullaney
EAT! @ Banning and 5th
Sometimes a sandwich just sticks! This combination was created more than 22 years ago and has become a mainstay on owner Shawn Smith’s menu ever since. The Zany Mullaney is just the sandwich you need to power through your day, featuring hearty turkey on pumpernickel with a mélange of red pepper, cucumber, tomato and sprouts, and topped with honey mustard and a creamy ranch dressing. $6.45.
Turkey and Brie Panini
Kowalski’s
If you want that traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner flavor, this panini is the one for you. It will remind you of that turkey dinner with your family because of the combination of the turkey and a sweet and tart raspberry-cranberry spread; the deliciousness is punctuated with the creamy, buttery brie cheese. You can find it in the deli at Kowalski’s, where you can either take it home and heat it there, or have it freshly grilled to melty perfection on their panini press. Don’t fret when you get the craving for these Thanksgiving flavors; this signature panini is available year-round because it is a customer favorite. $6.49.
Minnesota Wild Rice Salad
Keys Café & Bakery
This refreshingly hearty salad is perfect for a late fall day. Keys Café always conjures memories of family meals where we share from each other’s plates because we want to try it all; this salad might make it hard to keep others from picking at your plate. Keys’ wild rice salad is a mixture of perfectly cooked wild rice, turkey, onions, tomatoes, roasted almonds and more; try it with their lemon poppy seed dressing. and mixed with creamy mayo, spices and Italian dressing. This salad won’t be going anywhere, since it’s been on the menu for 15 years. $11.
Monte Cristo
Café Cravings
It’s called Café Cravings for a reason. This Monte Cristo is one that you’ll dream about, and it will become your go-to order at Café Cravings. The sandwich, topped with turkey, ham and Swiss cheese, is made on sourdough bread that is dipped in egg batter and grilled to toasty perfection. Served with a special strawberry yogurt sauce, you’ll be in sandwich heaven. And don’t forget dessert! $11.
Turkey Basil Sandwich
Meet Market
What’s better than turkey on its own? Well, at the Meet Market, they’ve crafted a turkey basil sandwich that brings turkey to a new level. This sandwich comes on Italian focaccia and boasts turkey, provolone, tomato and a vibrant basil aioli. It contains a brightness that will bring you back to summer days picnicking by the lake. The Meet Market is not only a butcher shop, but has a full menu of items that your family will love, including an array of sandwiches and paninis, soups, sausages and rotisserie chicken. $6.
