Turkey is good for you—we all know that. The white meat is a fine source of lean protein in a healthy diet and it’s full of the amino acid tryptophan, which stimulates the production of serotonin. And serotonin, in highly scientific terms, makes you feel good. Tryptophan is also the force behind the post-Thanksgiving dinner coma, i.e., a helpful agent in the digestive process.
Turkey is popular yet rarely exalted: It’s all-American fare, a sandwich staple and an alternative to red meat. It’s also a humble meat. It’s rare to find turkey at an upscale eatery because it’s more utilitarian, the practical worker-bee in the poultry world that leaves the fancy jobs to the ducks, game hens and capons. So, to give it its due, this month we celebrate the goofy, down-to-earth bird in multiple guises. Here are some of our favorites that you will, of course, gobble right up.
GENERAL TSO TURKEY BURGER
Redstone American Grill
The prize for the most unusual turkey burger goes to the General Tso burger at Redstone American Grill. The Asian angle would have never occurred to us, so we’re happy they thought of it, because it’s fantastic. The turkey patty is liberally glazed with one of the most addictive of Chinese sauces, sweet and sassy General Tso’s, and it’s topped with a lively, super-crunchy broccoli slaw and a pile of slippery, sweet, grilled red onions. This is cross-cultural fusion at its best. $13.50.
12501 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka; 952.591.0000
SMOKED TURKEY JARLSBERG SALAD
Lunds & Byerly’s
Our local supermarket chain has developed a slew of original recipes (ham wild rice soup, anyone?) that have become fast favorites. One of the best is the smoked turkey Jarlsberg salad, an unusual combination that works on several levels: texturally, flavorfully and nutritionally. Stop the head-scratching over how odd it sounds and dive into a crazy-good mix of diced smoked turkey breast, halved red grapes, Jarlsberg cheese (a nutty, mellow Swiss), slivered almonds and the creamiest mayo dressing you can imagine. It’s a genius invention, and it’s all ours. 12 oz., $6.99.
1151 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata; 952.476.2226
SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY BREAST
Lakeshore Grill at Macy’s
There is something deeply comforting about a turkey dinner, and there’s no better time to be comforted than during a marathon shopping trip at a department store. Macy’s thoughtfully provides a cozy haven from the cacophony of retail; slide into a soft upholstered chair at the Lakeshore Grill and relax with a familiar favorite; a plate brimming with tender, sliced breast-meat turkey, whipped mashers, silky gravy and whatever fresh vegetable is on hand—you can be sure it’s well-prepared, as there’s nary a misstep with the green stuff in this kitchen. $11.95.
12401 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.681.7099
TURKEY BURGER
Maynard’s
Turkey burgers may be presented as a healthier choice over a ground beef burger, but like their beefy cousin, they are also vehicles for the good stuff (read: fattening but yummy) like cheese and bacon. At Maynard’s, the nicely moist turkey burger wears creamy avocado slices, shredded lettuce and lots of cheddar cheese. $9.95.
685 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior; 952.470.1800
OPEN-FACED HOT TURKEY SANDWICH AND DRESSING
Ike’s Food and Cocktails
Here’s a full-on, mega-satisfying turkey dinner in a sandwich—and an open-faced one, at that. It’s as gut-busting as Thanksgiving dinner, with garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry relish and (best of all) a zingy, herbaceous black pepper and sage gravy. Sit in a booth if you can; you’ll need it for the immediate onset of a food coma. $19.
17805 Highway 7, Minnetonka; 952.681.7099
ROOSTER CLUB
Red Rooster
It’s famous, or so the menu says. At any rate, this club sandwich has reason to be popular. It’s a classic, well-put-together layering of smoked ham, lean turkey, applewood-smoked bacon with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. It’s tasty and to the point. Served with chips and a pickle and your choice of bread (we recommend the toasted whole wheat). $8.95.
1832 Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake; 952.473.4089
NATURAL TURKEY BURGER
BLVD Kitchen
BLVD Kitchen describes itself as “urban loft meets European farmhouse,” which is a clue to its somehow simultaneously sophisticated and rustic menu. The turkey burger is a prime example of the harmonious marriage of opposites: The ground turkey patty is a fiesta of red and green bell peppers, onion and good butter. The binding, usually in the form of breadcrumbs, comes from earthy, chewy oats. It’s cooked to order and dressed up with lettuce, tomato, onion and a lovely spicy mayo. $14.
11544 W. Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 763.9398.3200
MEDITERRANEAN TURKEY BURGER
Gold Nugget Tavern and Grille
At this point, you might be thinking, “What? Another turkey burger?” Yes, it seems like there are 101 ways to make a turkey burger, and each is worth trying. Another favorite of ours lives at burger heaven, aka the Gold Nugget. This house-made patty is mixed with feta cheese, roasted red peppers and tomatoes for a sunny Mediterranean bent that’s juicy, salty and chunky. It’s topped with a generous pile of smoky grilled vegetables and the ideal aioli for the job, sun-dried tomato. $12.95.
14401 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.935.3600
WILD ACRES TURKEY SANDWICH
318 Café
This sweet little café is a lovely place to linger over a newspaper (or iPad) and a creative turkey sandwich. High-quality, all-natural turkey is the base here, and it’s paired with thinly sliced granny Smith apples, soft Brie cheese and a meltingly sweet honey pecan butter. It comes on a sturdy whole wheat bread, and it’s a dreamy symphony of sweet, pungent, crunchy and creamy. $11.
318 Water St., Excelsior; 952.401.7902
GRILLED RACHEL
Crossroads Delicatessen
Crossroads Deli calls the Reuben—corned beef, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing—the “king of sandwiches,” which must make the Rachel the queen. In a Rachel, turkey replaces the beef but keeps all the fixings, plus the grilled, caraway-redolent pumpernickel bread. It’s served open-faced, blanketed with melted Swiss cheese. Do not attempt to pick up this sandwich; use a knife and fork, along with several napkins. It comes with potato chips, but for a few extra pennies, you can sub an awesome, cool and crunchy coleslaw, a welcome counterpoint to the rich sandwich. $13.99.
2795 Hedberg Drive, Hopkins; 952.546.6595
TURKEY
Lakewinds Natural Market
Are you looking for the real thing, the raw deal? Head to Lakewinds, where they stock pasture-raised turkeys from Ferndale Market in Cannon Falls. These happy birds are more flavorful than their saline-injected kin in supermarkets, and reportedly higher in heart-healthy omega-3 oils and lower in saturated fat. The meat counter at Lakewinds is a pleasure to visit; the professionals there know their product well and can tell you all kinds of things about your bird, including how to cook it. Check the store’s website for tempting turkey recipes like the herb-rubbed turkey breast with sherry turkey gravy; a leftover turkey stir-fry (some might say the whole point of a turkey is the leftovers) and turkey spinach meatballs. Prices vary.
17501 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.473.0292
