Anything special people(in the midwest) eat for thankgiving? (house, neighborhood)

[18Montclair]

I only ask cause me and my bf were planning on going to St Louis to visit his family for thanksgiving-but my bf being a Cardiologist was told Sunday that due to last minute changes, he was working tonight thru tommorrow morning.

We cant go so now his parents, his 5 siblings, their spouses and kids and his grandmother(live in Suburban St Louis, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Ann Arbor) are all making their way to our home in San Francisco. Amazing how they just up and decided to come out here-on the fly.

So I now feel like since theyre coming all the way out here, I need to make their experience with us special.

Which leaves me in a mad rush to get our house ready with flowers and a min-renovation of sorts-not to mention the food. So I got the turkey and all the other stuff that are typical american fare, plus we're having a shellfish bar, a roast pig and some other pacific islands dishes(Im polynesian) and some other ethnic foods.

Is there something that people back there eat that we dont know about here? I would like them to feel at home so maybe there's something specific to the midwest?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[coldwine]

Well, as I hate traditional thanksgiving food (with a passion), I go for thai, typically. Thai and a movie.

The Russians beneath me make a lot of their own food, but what it is I couldn't say. Sometimes I ask for homemade dimsum from my friends in Chinatown, and my Chinese neighbors last year spoiled me with that.

My parents like to cook French cuisine, which means I stay only for dessert (my mother's petit fours and other delicious pastries are unbelievable).

Back in my neighborhood in the 'burbs of Chicago the normal fare was Italian: stuffed shells, homemade ravioli, baked mastaccioli, lasagna, chicken alfredo, chicken parmiggian (my favorite), etc.

[jhlcomp]

I think you might be better served going out to the web and restating what you asked here.

Having said this, typically (which is changing) turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, etc. - but, you know what? I am certain they will be more than delighted with whatever dishes you prepare - it's about familiy time together which is why they are traveling the distance to see you. Enjoy and don't worry.

[jonjj]

I agree with jhlcomp. If they were that hung up on a traditional midwestern thanksgiving, they would stay in the midwest. Take them to the Castro and give them a salad.

[j33]

18Montclair - your dinner sounds fabulous. I can't imagine needing to add anything to it. I've lived most of my life in the midwest (chicago) and can't think of anything special that we do here foodwise for thanksgiving.

This year, like many years, I'll be in new england for thanksgiving, and that part of the family doesn't serve anything different than we do, so while us midwesterns may be a bit weird ... from a culinary standpoint, you sound just fine.

... I personally like the sound of that shellfish bar.

[18Montclair]

thanks for the replies all...I guess despite being so far apart, we basically are the same. All we need is good food(regardless as to what kind) and to be surrounded by loved ones.

Its a bit more complicated though.
I mentioned in another thread that this is the first time Im meeting any of his family. He was disowned 12 years ago when he told them he was gay. Anyway he moved out here and since then has had minimal contact with them until 3-4 months ago when his mom called to tell him that his father is very ill so theyve had coridal phone conversations and he told them about us, how we've been together for nearly 5 years. They actually told him to bring me home for thanksgiving.

Anyway pins and needles, but I know itll be fine. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

[18Montclair]

Here's an update.

We had an awesome time, my inlaws really enjoyed themselves. Since most of them have never been to CA(or the west) before, there was somewhat of a culture shock for them, but a pleasant shock. They loved the different kinds of food and the conversation was light and fun. Some of my familymembers came over and did a floor show of sorts showcasing different dances from various polynesian islands that culminated with a Samoan fire-knife dance which they loved-and then we had a DJ(a cousin of mine) play songs and we danced and burned off some of our dinner. Anyway, Im relieved it all went off without a hitch.

Hope everyone else had a happy thanskgiving.

[st. louie louie]

I thought you were coming to St. Louis for the holiday??

We have Bohemian style duck w/ sauerkraut and bread dumplings.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by st. louie louie

I thought you were coming to St. Louis for the holiday??

We have Bohemian style duck w/ sauerkraut and bread dumplings.

they came here instead....what an interesting sounding dish? Sounds great.

[lammius]

The title of this thread made me think it was asking what do "special people" in the MW eat?