Pass the Stuffing, Hoser: Canadian Thanksgiving is Coming to Beijing

Turkey time comes early for The True North Strong and Free, but thankfully you don't have to be in the Great White North to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. That's because the holiday (slated for October 10 this year, more than a month before America's holiday on November 24) will be celebrated at two Beijing venues on October 9 (the 10th is a Monday), while another honors both nations with an ongoing special that splits the difference.

4corners is set to celebrate the occasion with what it's calling an "inexhaustible buffet," featuring roast turkey, potato au gratin (taters are topped with cheese, boiled and then broiled crispy brown), clove-studded roast beef, mac 'n' cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts in mornay sauce (a Béchamel sauce combined with cheese), Nanaimo bars (a Western Canadian treat named after the British Colombian town of Nanaimo, and made with three layers: a crunchy wafer, under a layer of custard butter icing, all topped with melted chocolate), and pumpkin pie. The buffet is priced at RMB 228 (which includes a cocktail or glass of mulled wine), and is available from 6-9pm. There are still some seats left but they're selling fast, so anyone hankering for turkey with innovative fixings should call 6401 7797 ASAP for a reservation.

The Irish Volunteer/Hockey Bar is also serving up some succulent poultry on October 9. Aside from turkey, gravy and stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce will also be on offer, along with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup or apple pie for dessert. Imported Moosehead beer (which is brewed and beloved in Atlantic Canada) will be available on special for RMB 20 per bottle, and the meal costs RMB 180 for adults, RMB 50 for children (12 years old and under), and RMB 150 for a vegetarian version (a glass of red or white wine, one Moosehead, two Tsingtaos, or a soft drink are included). Dinner will be available from 5.30-7pm and a few remaining spots can be vouched for by calling 6438 5581 or emailing trishsmithus@gmail.com.

Shunyi dwellers craving Thanksgiving fare can instead opt for an ongoing Thanksgiving special at River Garden Villa. Priced at RMB 129 for adults (or RMB 79 for anyone eight years old or younger), this dinner features a choice of turkey or honey-baked ham, along with stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and veggies. The meal is rounded off with servings of mashed or sweet potatoes, and homemade desserts like apple or pumpkin pie, or chocolate mocha cake. Call 8046 6648 for reservations or for turkey delivery.

If you've heard of other poultry and fixings extravaganzas can feel free to let us know all the delicious details in the comments section below.

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Photo: Huffington Post, courtesy of the venues