Chez Vicky @ London, UK ****

Turkey Dinner

Although I am not an American by nationality, I have spent a great portion of my adult life in the US. Out of all the opportunities for cultural assimilation, celebrating Thanksgiving is by far my favorite. I love it that families drop everything, gather, and reflect on the things they are grateful for. And besides, what better holiday for a foodie to favor than one that is entirely centered around the cooking and eating of an outrageously enormous meal?

While most of us are far away from blood relatives, the expat community in London is a family unto itelf, and the mother of us all is my friend Vicky, who this year generously volunteered her time and her home for a truly massive undertaking: Thanksgiving for Thirty! Despite space and facilities constraints, in true “shabby chic” fashion, we made it work. Extra tables were aquired from the hotel down the road through the charming persistance of the lovely Kate, seating was on a BYO basis, and a dearth of oven space forced us to farm out baking and roasting duties all over South Kensington. In the end, somehow not one but two turkeys were carved, kosher and regular gravy was offered, and despite buffet-style service, the food that eventually ended up on my plate not only had all the traditional trappings, but was also hot. Amidst toasts and cheers, the steady sounds of cutting and chewing were a direct reflection of the enjoyment of a polyglot bunch comprised of English, French, Canadian, Dutch, South African, Singaporean, and of course Americans.

Too cook is to show love and to eat is to appreciate. Dearest Vicky, thank you for loving us. We really appreciate it.