We have had a tradition for the past several years of not cooking on Thanksgiving. Actually, it started when our family size sadly dwindled. After the loss of RJ's mom and then mine, our families decided we'd like to try something different and go out on Thanksgiving Day.

RJ & I were left in charge of finding a restaurant. There are lots of choices out there but we narrowed it down to Austin's Grill at the Holiday Inn in Richardson. We've eaten at Austin's Grill many times and knew that the fare is always good plus we had heard they offered special buffets for Easter, Mother's Day and Thanksgiving. The search ended there.



This Thursday was our fifth Thanksgiving at Austin's and it was the same great spread. They offer the traditional foods- turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, candied yams, etc. and also have prime rib, ham, fish (Tilapia, this year) & chicken. There are always several veggies and a salad area with all the makings for a fresh green salad plus tuna salad, potato salad, ambrosia, ice cold boiled shrimp & cheeses.

There's a separate area with breakfast items - baked breads, muffins, bagels, salmon with cream cheese & capers, bacon, sausages, blintzes, french toast, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit... the list goes on and on and I haven't even mentioned the array of desserts

We all enjoyed mimosas with our meal - toasting loved ones that aren't with us anymore.

Austin's has become a favorite for us on Turkey Day. We stuff our faces, have lots of fun, then all head back to our house where we're joined by a few more family members and friends to watch the Cowboy game. Thank goodness they pulled off another win

If you ever feel like venturing out to try something new and different for Thanksgiving, Austin's is a nice (and reasonably priced) choice. You might want to consider stopping by for lunch or dinner any other time too! They have excellent prime rib- their web site is showing a current Saturday night prime rib dinner special.

Austin's Grill is located in the Holiday Inn, 1655 North Central Expressway in Richardson.

Luther Vandross Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas