Thanksgiving at home and around town

It's that time of year again. You push back from the table, belt stretched and stomach bulging from consumption of endless casseroles, vegetables, salads, and oh, yes...the beast we all know as The Turkey. Second only to Christmas as a time of gastronomic gluttony, Thanksgiving is a prime opportunity to ingest everything from roasted turkey with a butter and garlic pomade to Grandma's marshmallow and sweet potato casserole. And while the holiday is primarily about celebrating hearth and home, in this city of galley-size kitchens and toaster ovens (or no ovens at all), where is one to find the means to cook up a feast? We asked the folks at the American Embassy about some of the dining opportunities around town, and moreover, what the Ambassador himself was doing for the big day. "Probably eating at home," was the predictable answer. Needless to say, the Ambassador's kitchen is probably better equipped than many. So, as we say in Beijing, zenme ban?

For those who'd like to eat out, Cafe Cha at the Shangri-la (tel: 6841 2211 ext. 2715) is putting on a Thanksgiving version of their usual bounteous buffet, complete with Boston clam chowder, numerous roasted turkeys, pumpkin pie and all the trimmings for YY268 a person. A bit closer to the center of things, Steak and Eggs and Grandma's Kitchen will both serve up the classic fare on Thanksgiving (which is Thursday, November 24 by the way).

If you are dead bent on cooking your own turkey, options are numerous. The American Embassy recommends heading to the German butcher, otherwise known as Schindler's German Food Center (1 Zaoying Beili, Maizidian,Chaoyang District, tel: 6591-9370) for turkeys, which are inevitably available at Jenny Lou's or April Gourmet (1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District, tel: 8455-1245) as well. For a stovetop centerpiece, try braising your turkey in a covered pot, adding stock about halfway up the sides. Turkey meat is notorious for being dry because of the leanness of the meat, but braising under cover will ensure a tender, moist bird. Arrange the bird on a platter with some steamed vegetables on the side and call Grandma and the kids at once.