As Thanksgiving Approaches, Most Restaurants Clear Out

As the temperature dips and the days of November pass by, Forest Hills residents are preparing for Thanksgiving. In the days leading up to the holiday, staple items such as turkeys, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are likely flying off the shelves in the supermarkets. But what about the neighborhood's restaurants and delis? What happens to restaurants when the nation's most celebrated feast comes around?

Perhaps in preparation of stuffing their stomachs, some restaurants in the area have reported slower business around this particular holiday.

"The days before Thanksgiving are slow," said George, manager of at the corner of Queens Boulevard and Ascan Avenue. "But around Christmas it gets very busy. The orders don't really change, just how busy the restaurant is changes. We're not sure how the holidays will be this year, though."

on Queens Boulevard said their place is less busy on the days leading up to the holiday, as well.

"We make special food during the season, ethnic food, and people who know about the food order it," said Jerry, the manager. "People who know about the food order it. Otherwise, they follow the usual menu. I don't notice anything special."

  on Metropolitan Avenue experiences some empty counter-side benches both before and after the holidays.

"Closer to Hannukah, and closer to Thanksgiving, you know, people eat their leftovers," said the manager, Rafi Mohammad. "People take off to eat with their families instead of eating out. Also, people eat their leftovers after their own meals. It gets a lot slower near the holidays, especially Thanksgiving."

But restaurants and delis aren't the only places affected by Thanksgiving. Pasticceria Amore D'Italia, a bakery on 71st Street, often finds its business gets most hectic around the holidays, the employees said.

People tend to order more pies and fruit cakes during the holidays, as opposed to the traditional kinds of vanilla or chocolate. Granted, it isn't just pumpkin or apple pie that people order for their Thanksgiving desserts; a wide variety of cookies and pastries are bought as well, and the shop makes sure to have them available.

It won't be long until Forest Hills' shopping areas and restaurants, get their garlands, lights and holiday decorations. While some eateries may be slow now, once the shopping begins, residents will likely be hungry.