Holiday cooking made easy

Trevor Luke, director of culinary operations, shows off a Zippy’s Thanksgiving package spread with some add-ons.

Fall has arrived in the islands. That means the holidays are right around the corner, and it’s not too early to start planning for Thanksgiving.

Zippy’s — known for the convenience of its delicious yet affordable local-style food — is now accepting pre-orders for its Thanksgiving Packages. With these take-home meals, which include whole and half turkeys with all the trimmings, you get the flavors you crave without the stress of cooking it yourself. If you prefer just the turkey or just the trimmings, Zippy’s still has you covered. Order online by Oct. 31 to save $30 off the regular price.

Maki sushi roll ($7.25)

We caught up with Zippy’s marketing services manager Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki to learn more.

DO: What Thanksgiving packages do you have this year?

JMK: We’re offering three Thanksgiving packages this year. The Whole Turkey Package features one whole-roasted turkey (10-12 pounds cooked weight), 3 pounds of stuffing, 4 pounds of real mashed potatoes, 4 pounds of poultry gravy, 1 pound of cranberry/ pineapple relish and a dozen King’s Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls. This is our biggest package and serves eight to 10 people.

Through Oct. 31, customers can save up to $30 on Zippy’s Thanksgiving packages.

Our Half Turkey Package is a half-roasted turkey (5-6 pounds cooked weight), 1 1/2 pounds of stuffing, 2 pounds of real mashed potatoes, 2 pounds of poultry gravy, 1/2 pound of cranberry/ pineapple relish and six King’s Hawaiian sweet dinner Rolls. This package serves four people.

Finally, you can order just a whole turkey (10-12 pounds cooked weight) with none of the trimmings.

DO: How much do the packages cost?

JMK: Folks who order early online can save up to $30 off the regular price. If you order online now through Oct. 31, you’ll qualify for the early bird price, which offers the steepest discount — $194.95 for the Whole Turkey Package, $109.95 for the Half Turkey Package and $92.95 for just the whole turkey. This is a real deal, considering everything you’ll get! If you order online Nov. 1-12, you’ll get the savers discount, which is up to $20 off regular price.

Sides include stuffing and cranberry/pineapple relish

DO: What about add-ons?

JMK: In addition to our turkey packages and stand-alone whole turkey, we also have add-on items for your Thanksgiving dinner. Our pumpkin or custard pies are $14.25 each, our maki sushi roll (uncut) is $7.25, our real mashed potatoes are $11.50 for 2 pounds and our poultry gravy is $6.50 for 2 pounds.

Pumpkin and custard pies ($14.25 each)

DO: How do customers place their orders?

JMK: To get the best discount on our Thanksgiving Packages, order online at zippys.com from now through Oct. 31. The longer you wait, the more likely we may run out!

DO: When and where do customers pick up their Thanks-giving orders?

JMK: Thanksgiving orders may be picked up Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 at participating Zippy’s locations: McCully, Nimitz, Vineyard, Koko Marina, Kahala, Waipahu, Waiau, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Mililani, Kaneohe, Kailua, Kahului and Hilo. We’ll have drive-thru pickup available at our Oahu locations on Thanksgiving Day.