No, your are not mistaken. Artfully displayed on that little saucer is a delicious mountain of silky white, creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Nestled along side is a dark, moist, steaming piece of dark perfectly cooked and carved Chinese turkey. It was buffet heaven. No belts or tight clothes for the Cornell's tonight. Expandomatic pants were the order of the day. Thankfully, we are wise in the ways of buffet. Wisdom that we passed on to the younguns. Rule 1. Wear loose pants, leave the belt at home. Rule 2. Make a plan. Don't grab a plate and start filling. Survey the buffet, take stock of everything offered. Rule 3. Small portions. Rule 4. Eat slowly, methodically, buffet time. Rule 5. Take rest periods between courses. Rule 6 Start with the expensive stuff first. Rule 7. Bring your own doggy bags because they frown on them at most buffets. Please note that Rule 7 has been newly added to our list. I gotta have my turkey sandwiches.
Some of the younguns brought Champagne or at least a Russian version of the bubbly. Very nice though a tad sweet for the turkey. Nonie and I sprang for a bottle of Chardonnay from Washington State. Expensive but a perfect compliment for the turkey. Like a little taste from home, just further south.
The buffet was huge and included everything that any decent Thanksgiving buffet table should have. Of course, there were a few Chinese twists. A table covered in whole crabs and huge shrimp with eyes that would follow you as you wandered past the buffet tables. A station serving fresh made California Rolls and thinly sliced Sashimi. A small table with a humongous slab of roast beef including Yorkshire Puddings. Actually, more like Yorkshire Muffins. A nice surprise, Scalloped Potatoes were discovered hidden in a small tray at the back of the buffet.During our initial survey of the buffet, we discovered a serious omission. No Mashed Potatoes. GASP! Brian, our American gourmand immediately leapt into action and had words with the Chef. A short time later a large bowl of perfectly prepared Mashed Taters appeared on the table. The night was saved.
A five star hotel deserves a five star wardrobe. Notice Nonie is wearing a dress and I , the dreaded tie. Something I swore never to wear again except for weddings and funerals. Takae was stunning in a traditional kimono and was the centre of attention where ever she walked. You don't really walk in a kimono though, it's more of a gracious shuffle.
The night was a great success, including some purloined turkey, ham and roast beef that followed us home and made delicious sandwiches the next day. A Thanksgiving without family can be a lonely dinner but the younguns more than made up for our missing family. We went home to bed, sated and happy, while they continued on to an after buffet party. All with loosened belts and kimono sashes.
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