Thanksgiving meals to be offered throughout Kootenai County

Roasted turkey isn't on the menu next to the Burger Dock's Old Tin Can, Veggie Tale or Sunrise burgers.

But during a special holiday event this month, the Harvest Burger has all the flavor of Thanksgiving that can be packed between two toasted buns — rosemary and sage aioli, cheddar, orange zest cranberry sauce and spring mix with a house-pressed beef patty. Sweet potato fries and a seasonal pie milkshake with Evans Bros. syrup complete the package for an unconventional spin on a longstanding American Thanksgiving tradition.

"We put our twist on it," Burger Dock co-owner Claire Anderson said Thursday.

It will all be offered on the house from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 27 during Burger Dock's sixth annual Giving Thanks free community meal.

"It's one of my favorite days of the year," Anderson said.

Burger Dock, which opened in Coeur d'Alene in 2022, started this annual giving-back event when it first opened in Sandpoint in 2019.

"It originated with this love of Sandpoint, a way to give back and say, 'Thank you,'" Anderson said. "We said, 'Come in, have a meal on us, regardless of your ability to pay. Celebrate this time with us.' When we opened in Coeur d'Alene, we wanted to keep the tradition alive."

The following free meals will also be offered throughout the community this Thanksgiving season:

Thursday, Nov. 21

• Brick House Recovery's Friendsgiving | 6:15 p.m. Compel Church, 235 W. Sunset Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Turkey and ham provided. Guests encouraged to bring side dishes, salads or desserts. Bring canned and dry goods to contribute to a Thanksgiving food drive. New/gently used coats, boots, gloves, hats and socks needed for winter warm clothing drive.

Saturday, Nov. 23 

• 1-4 p.m. Post Falls American Legion Post 143, 1138 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls. The feast is all set just for you! Just bring your appetite.

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28 

• 1:30 p.m. Real Life Ministries Coeur d'Alene campus, 1701 N. Fourth St. Celebrate Recovery Thanksgiving dinner. Doors open at noon.

• Noon. Lake City Center, 1916 E. Lakewood Drive, Coeur d'Alene. Please call by Nov. 25 for reservations.

• Noon to 3 p.m. The Altar Church, 901 E. Best Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

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Do you have a free community meal to offer? Please let Devin Weeks know the details at dweeks@cdapress.com or call 208-664-8176 x 1111. Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!

    A line wraps around the block during Coeur d'Alene Burger Dock's 2023 Giving Thanks free community meal event. This year's free Thanksgiving meal will be from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint locations.