Takeout turkey: Let pros cook the bird

As the Island picks up and rebounds from Sandy, it may yet be a challenge to think about Thanksgiving dinner. Still, the holiday is only two weeks away. While you might not be ready to tackle a turkey in your home oven -- if you still have one -- you may want to turn to professional chefs for help. (All these places were open as of press time, but be sure to confirm prices in advance.)

Many restaurants and markets can come through with the traditional roast turkey. Even so, you might be ready for something a little different. Think about surprising friends and family with such new American classics as deep-fried turkey, slow-smoked barbecue turkey or even that wild flight of excess, turducken (a chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey). All you need to do is place your order with a restaurant or market that has the right equipment and know-how.

At the places listed here, just order in advance and pick up the day before or -- sometimes -- Thanksgiving Day. Then, follow reheating instructions and accept the compliments.

And, of course, give thanks for the ability to accomplish all that.