Plates of all can be filled

Tumbleweeds Bar and Grill, 21094 Beach Blvd., is known most nights of the year as a neighborhood hangout low on pretension but high on friendliness. But every Thanksgiving, it’s known as a haven for the needy.

For a decade, owner Frank Tahvildari has opened his restaurant’s doors for a free Thanksgiving meal, giving anyone who shows up turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, pumpkin muffins and more. Though last year 700 people showed up, he and volunteers are making enough food for 2,000 so no one will be turned away, he said.

“We look forward every year to this day,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun seeing all the happy faces.”

The tradition started 14 years ago with the death of Tahvildari’s wife. She was always an open and generous person who brought people together on Thanksgiving, and he wanted to do something to honor that spirit.

“She was a giveaway artist,” he said. “So I started giving back to the community. Then some friends and family would go and chip in.”

The meal lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but “if people are still coming in, we’ll stay later,” he said.

SENIOR DINNER

Eighty-four Huntington Beach seniors will receive turkey and all the trimmings today, delivered by nine volunteers with the city senior services department.

Sunrise Senior Living has prepared the meals at cost, while Girl Scout Troop 2144 made a greeting card for everyone who receives a meal.

The city is also helping out for the holiday through its Adopt-a-Family program, part of its Project Self-Sufficiency.

Private individuals and groups are matched by the city with families who need assistance during the holiday season.

This year, every family requesting help was matched with someone in the community willing to lend a hand, according to the department.

HILTON FEAST

The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort will offer an elegant Thanksgiving meal today in its Cielo Mare Ballroom, 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy.

The Hilton’s award-winning executive chef Jeff Littlefield will prepare the time-honored Thanksgiving meal. There will also be a large selection of desserts including mainstays like pumpkin and pecan pie.

There will be three seating times at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The meal is $75 for adults and $19.95 for children, plus gratuity and tax.

For reservations or information, call (714) 845-8000 or visit www.waterfrontbeachresort.hilton.com.

HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY

If you’re looking for a less traditional take on the Thanksgiving meal, give Hawaiian restaurant No Ka Oi a shot.

No Ka Oi, 215 Main St., will celebrate the holiday island-style. The menu will include the staples of ham and turkey, but also incorporate variances on the regular fare.

There will be papaya and mango stuffing, green beans with bacon and caramelized onions, cranberry salsa and garlic mashed potatoes. The dinner is topped off with wine and pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving dinner at No Ka Oi is $25. Reservations are recommended. Call (714) 960-8300 for reservations or more information.

JAZZY FARE

Jazz pianist and singer Roger Harrison will brighten the mood for families at the Hotel Huntington Beach, 7667 Center Ave., as they enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Harrison has been composing, playing and singing since 1965. He travels all over Southern California playing his brand of jazz.

While Harrison brings his piano stylings to the table, the hotel will serve turkey, ham and even prime rib to its guests. There will also be a chocolate fountain and ice cream for dessert.

The dinner and entertainment is $29.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors, and $14.95 for children 5 to 12. The first seating time is 11 a.m. and the last is at 4:30 p.m. For reservations or information, call (714) 908-5178.

THANKSGIVING CONCERT

BB Jazz will help Huntington Beach transition from Thanksgiving time into Christmas with a smooth jazz concert that will feature various performers from around the country.

Smooth jazz artists Rick Braun, Mindi Abair and Peter White will headline the show.

Braun is a trumpet player who has recorded numerous smooth jazz albums. He is also a co-founder of the ARTizen Music Group jazz label.

White is a guitarist from the United Kingdom who is himself a distinguished recording artist. His nylon-string guitar playing is well-known in the jazz community and he recently played the national anthem for the opening of a San Diego Padre game at Petco Park.

Abair’s saxophone playing has been featured in a number of pop songs as well as a number of her own albums.

The three do an annual Christmas tour together and have recently completed an album with a holiday theme.

The show is at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy. Tickets are $55. For more information, visit www.bbjazz.com.