America: birthplace of the atomic wedgie, origin of the Big Gulp, inventor of democracy.
Americans, we're gearing up for the yearly Thanksgiving feedbag a week from Thursday, and you should be thinking ahead if you want get some people together and get some reservations somewhere. Here's our picks from the litter for Thanksgiving 2-oh-one-four.
Rager Pies' THORSGIVING @ The Other Place
Purveyors of fine, fine sweet and savory pies to order, Rager Pies is assuming hosting responsibilities at The Other Place, as is their predilection sometimes, and offering a "feast for the Gods" in the Hutongs. Hence, "Thorsgiving". I think. That or maybe Thor will show up? Someone will dress as Thor? I don't know. BUT you can expect a classic Americana spread of holiday favorites: turkey, apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, mulled wine, corn on the cob, and more. Plus plenty of pumpkin pie to go around. Probably lots of other pies varieties as well. AND after the meal they'll send you home with some left-overs. Hey, that's pretty nice. It's an all-you-can-eat kind of deal: 228 pre-sale and 268rmb for walk-ups. Starts 6pm. Contact them ASAP to reserve a spot: 186 1405 5548.
Jing A x Traitor Zhou's Thanksgiving Dinner
Jing A hosts in Max Levy of Okra across the way and Traitor Zhou's for a pretty damn sumptuous-sounding cajun-inspired menu: "Mala sausage and smoked duck gumbo"; pine needle smoked andouille with pickled okra"; "Noodle Keegal with Traitor's Maple Bacon". Damn. Sounds intense. Drinks are, of course, coming from the Jing A side of things, and they'll be providing a couple fall/winter seasonal beers to go along with the set dinner. 800rmb for a group of four with a reservation. 1000rmb for groups of four, walk-ups. RSVP: taproom@capitalbrew.com. 6501 8883. Act quick on that one. I would imagine it will see out.
Thanksgiving. American Style. At Slow Boat
If you're looking to merely observe the occasion but maybe you're a bit skint at the end of the month, Slow Boat's keeping it light and simple: they're serving turkey sandwiches. With a truncated list of sides. Hey, that's alright. Turkey is turkey. In a sandwich, that's like jumping right to the left-overs stage of this whole process. Included in that deal is 20rmb off their tasty pumpkin stout with the purchase of a sandwich. The offer is on from 5pm to 10pm on November 27, and you don't have to mess around with reservations and stuff.
Pre-Thanksgiving Charity Dinner at Home Plate BBQ
Getting Thanksgiving going a bit early, Home Plate in Sanlitun is hosting a fee-good charity dinner for Bethel China. On the menu is Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken, Texas Ranch Beans, Salad, and Cole slaw. Drinks are free-flow Tsingdao and wine from The Wine Republic. Pretty good deal too: 200rmb all-in, with 100rmb from that going directly to the charity. In addition to that they're having a painting auction to raise more funds. Live band doing rock and soul as well. Runs 7pm to 10pm.
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at Aroma in the Ritz-Carleton
...And, finally, the obligatory lavish upscale hotel buffet. Aroma in The Ritz-Carleton is hosting their yearly Thanksgiving buffet dinner with a traditional roast turkey served, along with all the accoutrements, free-flow champagne, cocktails, white, and red white. Along with the turkey and other American holiday classics, Aroma offers everything else you could possibly want as well in a giant buffet -- Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Continental dishes all available. So there's plenty of opportunity to garnish your turkey leg with some sushi or foie gras or whatever. Opulence doesn't come cheap. It's 638rmb per person, plus that 15% service charge thing. (Kids 6 to 12, 319rmb.) Runs 6pm to 10pm. Reservations: 5908 8161. *** Happy holidays! USA USA!
