Thanksgiving 2016: A Guide to a Vegan Holiday in Miami

Thanksgiving traditionally revolves around a roast turkey at the table, but why not buck tradition and celebrate compassion this year instead? Given what a rotten 11 months it's been for almost everyone, there's no better time to embrace kindness than by enjoying a vegan Thanksgiving.

Miami's cruelty-free eateries offer plenty of alternative options for your holiday meal. From homemade pies to turkey cakes to chestnut ravioli, delectable plant-based entrées and desserts create a whole new tradition in your household.

Bunnie Cakes
Miami's sweetest patisserie is offering its usual lineup of (almost) too-cute-to-eat Thanksgiving desserts. There are three design options for cakes (turkey ombre, fall ombre ridge, and fall marble drip), four topper options (gobble, gobble; give thanks; we are grateful for sprinkles; and thanksgiving), and four flavor options (very vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and pumpkin spice). Vegan cakes cost $55, and vegan and gluten-free cakes run $65. The bakery also offers mini cupcakes, homemade pies (apple, sweet potato, or pumpkin), mini pies, cookies, bread, and sin tres leches. Orders can be placed by calling 786-268-9790 or emailing [email protected].

Choices Cafe
South Florida's conscious chain is taking preorders of 100 percent organic, homemade pumpkin pies. The price is $42 for a full pie, and they can be ordered in store or by calling any of the Choices locations.
Full Bloom Vegan Cuisine
This charming, waterfront Miami Beach restaurant will serve its annual Thanksgiving feast, complete with multiple options for the three-course meal. Starter choices include squash, sweet potato, and corn chowder; baby kale, cashew, and cranberry salad; and potato-stuffed mushroom with gravy reduction. For entrées, choose between chestnut and macadamia ravioli in a light mushroom sauce; quinoa and lentil-stuffed golden squashes; and mushroom risotto. Dessert is blueberry vegan cheesecake or homemade Italian gelato. The price is $45 per person, and you can make reservations by calling 305-397-8018 or visiting fullbloomvegan.com/reservations.

Holi Vegan Kitchen & Bar
Holi's order-ahead Thanksgiving lineup includes a three-course meal paired with the most important ingredient of all: wine. The menu features butternut squash soup, lentil loaf with sweet mashed potatoes, and pumpkin bread. Wine options are Las Canitas Malbec and Maria Torrontes. The cost is $75 for two, and the meal can be preordered and picked up the day before Thanksgiving by calling 786-520-3120 or emailing [email protected]. Holi is located at 3099 NE 163rd St. in North Miami.
Manna Life Food
Miami's life-affirming downtown eatery will make special organic, gluten-free loaves (each loaf includes 12 slices) for the holiday. Flavors include banana walnut oat, cacao protein beet, lemon poppyseed and zucchini, sweet potato and cranberry, and carrot. Loaves cost $32 each or $27 with a 15 percent off discount if you mention Miami New Times. You can preorder by calling 786-717-5060 or emailing [email protected] (minimum 24 hours' notice for all orders).

Whole Foods Market
WFM locations offer an order-ahead menu that includes à la carte vegan options. Offerings are hazelnut Field Roast cranberry en croute ($19.99); organic traditional herb stuffing (two pounds, $12.99); roasted vegetable gravy (24 ounces, $6.99); green beans almondine (two pounds, $19.99); harvest roasted root vegetables (two pounds, $17.99); cranberry orange relish (24 ounces, $9.99); whipped maple mashed sweet potatoes (two pounds, $10.99); roasted Brussels sprouts (two pounds, $19.99); garlic roasted fingerling potatoes (two pounds, $10.99); vegan pumpkin pie ($10 large, $6 small); and So Delicious cocowhip ($3.99). Call your local WFM or order online at wholefoodsmarket.com.

Love Life Wellness Cafe
The plant-based eatery slash wellness center is offering to cater special orders for Thanksgiving week. Customers can call (305) 456-4148 to order.