Turkey Takeaway

by Stephanie Sherrill
on Friday, November 06, 2009

Most western-brand hotels do a bang-up job of preparing specialty foods for western holidays. For American Thanksgiving this means imported turkeys and a few traditional dishes, such as sweet potatoes, cranberries, bread stuffing and pumpkin pie. But in China, although restaurants may understand the main points of the holiday, the finer details are often missed.

For example, last year at the JW Marriott they served us a dainty portion of mashed potatoes in a martini glass. Ask any American and they'll tell you that a healthy portion of mashed potatoes should be dished up alongside several turkey breast slices and totally covered with turkey gravy.

To save myself from any "China moments" during my favorite American holiday, I plan to invite friends over and order-in my Thanksgiving feast. With so many great choices, and with the way my friends love to drink wine, it's our best option. Plus, this way I'm guaranteed leftovers - another important aspect of enjoying Thanksgiving celebrations.

The Gourmet Shop at the Marriott Hotel Hongqiao - which previously served up one of my favorite restaurant Thanksgiving celebrations, complete with a tableside turkey - has a turkey feast for RMB1088 net. It comes in an insulated container for the 5kg turkey and all the trimmings.

At Fountain Bistro, the 4.2kg whole roasted turkey is stuffed with chestnut, apple, bacon and herb stuffing. The RMB880 set (serving 6) is accompanied by plenty of sides, such as creamed spinach, cranberry sauce, gravy, baked sweet potatoes and carrots. Order before November 18 and they will throw in a bottle of chardonnay.

Sasha's has a turkey takeaway that includes both a traditional roast turkey and a honey-baked ham (both about 9kg each) for RMB1950. Included with the meats are numerous sides.

Most of these takeaway offers run from now until November 28 but require at least 48 hours advanced notice. Perhaps I'll celebrate Thanksgiving every weekend - just don't tell my bootcamp instructor.