Jackson Heights Life

Thanksgiving is coming up! Does anyone know the best place to get a turkey? I don't have much freezer space, so I want to buy it as close to Thanksgiving as possible, without of course, losing any chance of getting a turkey! Is Walbaums or Trade Fair my best bet, or is there a better option I'm not thinking of?

And, seeing how I'm a Thanksgiving hosting noob... when should I buy it? How long will it take to defrost in the fridge?

K and T Butchers in Astoria is by far the best place. Its on Broadway around 37th Street. You can order in advance and just pick it up days before. You'll get a fresh, never frozen bird. Since my husband is vegetarian, I don't each much meat, generally...but then I decided to only buy meat from K &T.(supermarket meat, color, slime, and packaging freaks me out and I end up empty handed) I head over there about twice a month-really its the best! Plus, you'd be supporting a small, local business with a bunch of fabulous employees. I was trying to compete for a trip with Anthony Bourdain, so I had to make a video, and the guys at K&T gave me a grand tour, answered questions, and were just funny and great.
First you order, then they give you a ticket, you pay the lady in the booth in back, then you give your receipt back to the butcher, who gives you your stuff.

Boston Market.  :2funny:  no defrosting at all.  just open carton and eat.

I worked at Boston Market for 4 years during high school and college. I halfway think that's what my family is expecting!

Thanks for the recommendation of K&T missmarty. I drive past there every day on my way to work, and it looks great. I'll have to stop in!

I have purchased Turkeys from Ottomonelli for many years and they sell very good birds and meat!

I was wondering if the local free range birds would be a step up?