It was to be a  fantasy Thanksgiving.

Dinner was planned months in advance at Michelin star Au Crocodile in Strasbourg, France.

And then reality reared its’ ugly head.

My husband had emergency surgery and that plan bit the dust.

Always the girl scout, “you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency,” I rallied and was able to secure a reservation at one of the best restaurants in New York City.

Marea fulfilled our Thanksgiving domestic desires.

David had a date with destiny the day before Thanksgiving and the surgeon said that he was healing well enough to go out.

So instead of letting the turkeys get us down, we had a wonderful celebratory Thanksgiving dinner at the exceptional Marea on Central Park South.

Marea is very close to home so if David started to waver we were five minutes away.

I requested one of the window banquettes and our wish was granted.

We started out at the bar and for the first time in weeks I relaxed and sipped a divine Chopin on the rocks with Cerignola olives.

Marea’s bar is always packed and consistently provides a golden glow over the premises.

We were eventually seated and our server was attentive and gracious.

Dressing up and not discussing innards was already delicious.

Marea offered a four-course Thanksgiving feast for $155.

The first course or Antipasti consisted of selecting either a tasting of three Crudos, a White Bean Soup with red prawns, apple, celery and brioche, Peconic Bay Scallops which were sweet and delectable and the table favorite, Lobster, Burrata, Eggplant and Basil.

The Nova Scotia lobster meat was divine combined with the silky burrata…a perfect dish to kick off the holiday meal.

The Primi course was next and the menu offered Shrimp Gnocchetti, Duck Polenta, and a fabulous Mushroom Risotto which they prepared with a vegetable broth for David.

I chose Marea’s signature dish…Fusilli with tender red wine braised Octopus and Bone Marrow. This dish never fails to tintillate and satisfy.

The entrees were plentiful served with traditional Thanksgiving side dishes.

The flaky Halibut was probably the best I have ever had, prepared to perfection served over wild arugula.

Besides  a turkey offering, the Creekstone Farms Prime Sirloin with a porcini sauce was tender and delicious. The meat is dry-aged for 50 days.

Desserts were outrageous.

I loved the Coffee Semifreddo with almond clusters and chocolate malt sabayon.

The Cioccolato, a dark chocolate mousse with hazelnut praline and passion fruit caramel was also a winner.

The buttermilk Panna Cotta with ginger, molasses and orange-carrot granita was refreshing and creamy.

Our server brought over a special treat…the Marea Macaroons.

Marea is a chic and sophisticated fine dining culinary adventure.

The Italian influenced seafood restaurant has  always featured the masterful cooking of renown chef, Michael White.

Thanksgiving or any day, Marea is an experience that should not be missed.

Marea 240 Central Park South, New York City. Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11:45am-2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday Brunch 11:45-2:30pm, Dinner Monday-Thursday 5:30-11pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11:30pm, Sunday 5-10:30pm. Reservations available on the Marea website.