Thanksgiving is a time to gather, celebrate, and indulge in comforting holiday favorites. Executive Chef Rakmin Lee shares his expert tips for preparing the perfect Thanksgiving feast.
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Preparation is the secret to a seamless Thanksgiving dinner. Chef Lee recommends brining your turkey two to three days in advance, preparing vegetables and baking pies the day before, and roasting the turkey early on Thanksgiving Day. Allowing the turkey to rest before carving frees up valuable oven space for finishing side dishes.
The Secret to a Perfectly Juicy Turkey
Chef Lee emphasizes the importance of brining to enhance flavor, tenderness, and moisture. For smaller turkeys, a dry brine works beautifully, while larger birds benefit from a 24-hour wet brine followed by refrigeration to dry the skin. After roasting, allow the turkey to rest for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on its size, to retain its flavorful juices.
Elevate Your Thanksgiving Side Dishes
For a simple yet sophisticated side, Chef Lee recommends crispy Brussels sprouts, one of The Parliament’s most popular dishes. Roast or flash-fry until caramelized, then finish with sea salt, hot honey, and freshly grated Parmesan.
His most important Thanksgiving recommendation? Invest in homemade gravy. A rich, flavorful stock prepared with roasted turkey bones, aromatics, fresh herbs, and a splash of wine can elevate every dish on the holiday table.
Culinary Philosophy
Chef Rakmin Lee’s philosophy centers on refining holiday classics through the lens of modern technique and personal heritage, while firmly believing that food is medicine: it should nourish both the body and the soul through clean, purposeful preparation.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Parliament in Midtown NYC
For those looking to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in NYC without the preparation, The Parliament invites guests to experience a specially chef-curated Thanksgiving Day menu. Menu includes comforting seasonal favorites like Turkey Pot Pie, Turkey Ballotine, 21-Day Aged Striploin, and Roasted Brown Butter Cabbage. Complete your Thanksgiving feast with pumpkin or pecan pie, served with artisanal gelato.
This Thanksgiving also marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, making the holiday even more special in New York City. Located just a few blocks from the parade route, The Parliament offers the perfect setting to continue the festivities with family and friends. After enjoying the parade, gather around our table for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through OpenTable.
About Executive Chef Rakmin Lee
Born and raised in Korea, Chef Rakmin Lee discovered his passion for cooking during middle school and began his first kitchen job at the age of 19. After gaining experience in various hotel kitchens and working with multiple cuisines, Chef moved to the United States in 2010 to attend the Culinary Institute of America.
After graduating, Chef Rakmin Lee had the opportunity to work with a variety of Michelin- starred restaurant groups. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of cuisines – including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Italian. Outside of the kitchen, Chef Rakmin Lee enjoys playing soccer, cycling, photography, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog, Winnie.