Restaurateurs say the tradition of preparing a huge feast at home is increasingly challenged by the allure of letting professionals do all the cooking, cleaning and dishwashing.

According to the National Restaurant Association, the number of people enjoying the holiday feast in restaurants has grown almost 150 percent in the past seven years, with an estimated 11 percent of Americans planning to dine out this Thanksgiving.

Irene Covey Gaddis wouldn't choose to do it any other way, after enjoying more than 20 successive years of grand treatment and sumptuous repasts at Little America Hotel's annual Thanksgiving Brunch.

Gaddis, reigning matriarch of the Covey clan, descended from her grandfather, Little America founder S.M. Covey, is one of 65 to 100 family members who line up at the hotel's bounteous buffet tables every year to celebrate Thanksgiving together. They started the tradition while her father, the late Steven G. Covey, was running the show, and have continued in the years since Earl Holding bought the hotel.

"We all look forward to it. A lot of our children live out of state, but they all try to come," said Gaddis. "As many as can, do."

Given the size of their group -- probably about 85 this year, ranging from babes in arms to octogenarians -- the Covey family has its own dining room off the Grand Ballroom. Still, they comprise only a fraction of the 2,500 diners anticipated at what is unquestionably the city's largest Thanksgiving event, as well as one of the most long-lived.

Little America's Thanksgiving Brunch starts at 11 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m., and though reservations are not accepted, spokeswoman Shannon Short said the buffet line moves quickly and long waits generally aren't a problem. The cost is $28.95 for adults; $9.95 for children. The hotel's regular dining room and coffee shop also are open on Thursday with Thanksgiving specials.

As the number of people choosing to dine out has increased, so have the number and variety of restaurants open to holiday business. Here are suggestions for a traditional turkey dinner on the town; some offer buffets, others serve "plated" Thanksgiving meals. The list is not all-inclusive -- you might find others, not listed, open for business as well.

Aerie and Atrium Restaurants, Snowbird Resort, Little Cottonwood Canyon, serving traditional buffet dinner for $29.95; $15.95 for children 6 to 12. Serving from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; reservations required at 801-933-2160.

Alta's Rustler Lodge, Little Cottonwood Canyon, buffet dinner with traditional turkey and trimmings for $45; teens, 11 to 16 years, $18; ages 6 to 10, $6. Serving from 4-9 p.m., reservations required at 801-532-ALTA (2582).

Alta Lodge, Little Cottonwood Canyon, offering traditional four-course turkey dinner for $34; $16 for 7 to 12-year-olds; $10 for ages 4 to 6. Serving from 6:15-8:30 p.m.; reservations required at 801-322-4631.

The Grand America Hotel, 555 S. Main St., offering brunch buffet with roast turkey and cornbread stuffing; rosemary and pepper-crusted prime rib; salads, seafood and even breakfast specialties. Also, a children's buffet for younger tastes. Serving from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $38 for adults, $19 for ages 6 to 12. Reservations required at 801-258-6708.

L'Avenue Bistro, 355 E. 2100 South, offering a French-influenced Thanksgiving dinner for $24.95; $12.95 for children 12 and under. Serving from noon-6 p.m.; reservations required at 801-485-4494.

Log Haven, Mill Creek Canyon, offering four-course Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, steak or salmon for $27.95; $14.95 for children under 12. Serving from noon-6 p.m.; reservations required at 801-272-8255.

Marie Callender's, various locations, offering traditional sit-down turkey dinner for $15.99; $6.99 for children 12 and under. Serving from noon-8 p.m.; reservations recommended.

Mimi's Cafe, various locations, offering traditional sit-down Thanksgiving dinner for $13.99; $6.99 for children under 12. Serving from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; reservations recommended.

Rivers Restaurant, 6405 S. 3000 East, offering three-course dinner with traditional turkey, honey-baked ham, turkey osso buco for $25; $12 for children under 12. Serving from noon-7 p.m.; reservations required at 801-733-6600.

Spencer's for Steaks and Chops, 255 S. West Temple, offering a la carte turkey dinner for $17.95, a limited number of whole turkeys (feeds 4 to 6) for $39.95, and regular menu dining. Serving from noon-10 p.m.; reservations required at 238-4748. Tree Room at Sundance Resort, Provo Canyon, offering four-course traditional turkey or seasonal specials dinner for $44 per person. Serving from 4-9 p.m.; reservations required at 801-225-4100.

Trofi, 255 S. West Temple, offering Thanksgiving buffet for $22.95; $7.95 for children under 12. Serving from noon-6 p.m.; reservations recommended at 801-238-4877.

Tuscany, 2832 E. 6200 South, offering plated Thanksgiving dinner for $25.95; $12.95 for children 12 and under. Serving noon-6 p.m.; reservations required at 801-277-9919.

PARK CITY:

Easy Street Brasserie, 201 E. Heber Ave., special a la carte entrées from $24.50 for turkey to $27 for prime rib, or eat family-style with four or more for $34.50 per person, which includes turkey, ham, prime rib and all the trimmings, plus dessert. Serving from 5-9 p.m.; reservations required at 435-658-2500 or http://www.easystreet brasserie.com.

Glitretind at Stein Eriksen Lodge, mid-mountain at Deer Valley, offering brunch buffet with traditional roast turkey and trimmings for $45 per person; $25 for ages 5 to 12. Serving from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; limited reservations at 435-649-3700.

Westgate Grill, 3000 The Canyons Resort Drive, offering four-course plated dinners with prices ranging from $29 to $39 for five entrée choices, including roast turkey, beef, lamb or duck or Utah trout. Serving from noon-8 p.m.; reservations required at 435-940-9444.

Tuscany menu preview and wine pairing

A special menu preview and wine pairing dinner at Tuscany, 2832 E. 6200 South, is planned Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. The restaurant's executive chef Franck Peissel will prepare a five-course menu to serve with a like number of premium Australian wines. The cost is $90 per person, or $55 without the wine pairings. Seating is limited; call 801-277-9919 for reservations.

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Nancy Hobbs is The Tribune's restaurant reviewer. The newspaper covers the cost of meals at restaurants reviewed and there is no connection between reviews and restaurant advertising. Hobbs welcomes food and wine news, comments and suggestions at nhobbs@xmission.com