Sleigh The Menu

When Daniel Renninger, executive chef of The Huntsman, decided to keep his doors closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, it wasn’t a decision made lightly. “Working in the restaurant industry as I have for 25 years, you never really get time off,” he says. “It’s great to see people spending time together, but I think it’s even better that our staff gets to go home and spend time with their friends and family, too.”

Renninger enjoys the chance to cook at home, but if taking on a culinary showcase isn’t part of your holiday wheelhouse, not to worry. From full catering to specialty markets and bakeries, plenty of options in town can help make your holiday spread memorable.

Black Fig is the place Renninger says he’d turn to if he were looking to outsource. Offering a full-meal catering service, Black Fig also boasts a grab-and-go market in Village Square with dips, salads, and entrées to complement what you’re comfortable preparing at home. (blackfig.net)

Photo by Lori Magee Yeaton

Au Péché Mignon French Pastry Shop has been indulging locals with European confections for more than 30 years. The top-of-list item for Christmas may be the Bûche de Noël, which comes in a traditional and modern style, as well as a gluten-free option. The shop also offers a wide variety of pies, pastries, chocolates, breads, soups, and quiches. (frenchpastrytallahassee.com)

If you’re looking for something unique or a hard-to-find ingredient to suit a specific taste or dietary requirement, all while supporting a small local business, the Community Co-op Market might have just the thing you’re looking for—from bulk foods and a deli with a hot bar to meats and seafood, produce, and packaged groceries. (ccmgrocery.coop)

For gatherings that are more grazing than feasting, consider a charcuterie board—but leave the ingredient sourcing and artful arrangements to someone else. Boards by Alexis, operated by Tallahassee native Alexis Conner, offers charcuterie ranging from mini boxes with individual servings to round customized boards for intimate gatherings and even grazing tables for the grandest affairs. (boardsbyalexis.com)

Photo By Pablo Gabes

For artisan breads, consider The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery. The Hawthorn  specializes in a variety of naturally leavened breads, croissants, and seasonal selections as well as quiches, desserts, and breakfast and lunch offerings. (hawthorntlh.com)

Food Glorious Food (FGF) is a mainstay on the local dining-out scene, but the restaurant’s team also offers catering services, including indulgent desserts. Consider pies like spiced pumpkin crumb or sweet potato for the finale of your Thanksgiving, or coconut cream, key lime, or pecan for Christmas. Don’t see your favorite? FGF’s bakery takes requests. Just be sure to place orders at least 24 hours in advance. (food-glorious-food.squarespace.com)