Nov. 23 is Thanksgiving Day this year. Let's step back and give thanks for all the blessings we have.

 

The origin 

 

Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in America and is closely tied to American history. The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1620 when over 100 English Puritans sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and settled in the New World in pursuit of religious freedom. But after they arrived they found themselves ill prepared to deal with the new climate and almost half died from disease or starvation. Luckily, the local Iroquois tribe helped them out and taught them how to grow local plants. Finally they reaped a good harvest and the colonists decided to celebrate with the local people as an expression of thanks. In 1863 President Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of every November to be Thanksgiving Day and it became a traditional holiday.

 

What to eat

 

Thanksgiving Day dinner is a big deal. Many people spend all day in the kitchen preparing things such as plum pudding, mincemeat pie, cranberry sauce, squash, pumpkin pie and of course, roast turkey. Roast turkey is usually the centerpiece of the table, and has come to be a symbol that represents Thanksgiving.

 

Where to eat

 

In China, Thanksgiving Day isn't an important holiday, but for those who want to celebrate it or who like eating roast turkey, there are some good places to enjoy it.

 

Beijing

 

Garden of Delights

 

There is a Thanksgiving Day dinner at Garden of Delights, where you can get a Special Thanksgiving Set Menu at RMB275 per person. Diners can also enjoy a free bottle of wine with an order of five Tapas throughout November.

 

Garden of Delights

Date: Thursday evening, November 23

Address: No.53 Donganmen Avenue Dongcheng District, Beijing

Tel: 010-5138 5688

 

The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel Beijing

 

Celebrate this American tradition with the Sheraton's talk-of-the-town buffet dinner, with authentic Thanksgiving Day fare. RMB235 per adult, 50% off for children aged 3-9 years old, subject to 15% service charge.

 

Date: Thursday, Nov. 23

Address: 10 Beilu, Dongsanhuan

Tel: 010- 6590-5566 ext 2117

 

Capital Mandarin School

 

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a group of friends from all over the world at the Capital Mandarin School where you can not only enjoy the delicious feast but also make friends and play games. There are fantastic gifts for winners! Party begins at 6:30pm

 

Date: Fri, Nov. 24

Entrance fee: 25 Yuan for those who will bring homemade dishes and 55 Yuan for those who come empty-handed.

Tel: 010-65925672

For more information, contact: http://www.capitalmandarin.com

  

Shanghai

 

Mexico Lindo

 

Celebrate Thanksgiving with roast turkey and ham and four other courses with a bottle of fine wine for only RMB218.

 

Date: Saturday, Nov. 25

Address: Villa #1, 3911 Hongmei Road near Yanan Xi Lu, Shanghai

Tel:: 020-6262 2797

Website: www.mexicolindo.com.cn

 

Moon River Diner-Gubei

 

A special dinner of herb roasted turkey with chestnut and apple stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, winter salad and more for only RMB150 per person (RMB75 for children). From 12pm - 10pm.

 

Date: Friday, Nov. 24

Address: Lane 3338 Hong Mei Leisure Pedestrian Street, Gubei near Yan'an Xi Road, Shanghai

Tel: 020-6465 8879

Website: www.moonriverdiner.com

 

Marriott Cafe - Hongqiao

 

Bring your family and friends and celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional dinner with all the trimmings, including roast turkey and giblet gravy at a comfortable restaurant. Whole roast turkeys are available for tables of ten or more for only RMB288.

 

Date: Friday, Nov. 24

Address: Shanghai Marriott Hotel, Hongqiao 2270 Hongqiao Road Shanghai near Jianhe Road, Shanghai

Tel: 020-6237 6000 ext. 6657

  

Number Five

 

A traditional Thanksgiving buffet dinner is coming to Number Five, where you can entertain your tastebuds with pumpkin soup, roast turkey and honey glazed ham with all the trimmings. Pumpkin pie, ice-cream, tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer, and two glasses of wine are also included. 'Five Below' takes the stage at 9pm to play live jazz. . The restaurant will extend its happy hour from 7:30pm to 10pm. Price: RMB280.

 

Date: Friday, Nov. 24

Address: B1, 20 Guangdong Road, by the Bund near across the street from 3 on the Bund, Shanghai

Tel: 020-6329 4558

Website: www.numberfive.cn

 

KABB Bar & Grill

 

At a discounted price of RMB250 per person or RMB230 per person in a group of six or more, the Thanksgiving dinner here will make your mouth water. Happy Hour is from 4pm-8pm.

Date: Friday, Nov. 24

 

Address: 181 Taicang Lu, 5 Xintiandi Bei Li near Madang Road, Shanghai

Tel: 020-33070798

Website: www.bluefrog.com.cn

 

Source: Smartshanghai/CityWeekend

 

(China Daily November 23, 2006)