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)
