Thanksgiving At Elbow's. ( Part Duex)

With most sequels, the anticipation far exceeds the actual event. Last year, as you may remember, the Thanksgiving Feast at Elbow’s Sea Pond Plantation was pretty much the epitome of Epicurean delight. Even with the frantic fight over the Feast’s Fowl fluctuating cooking time, the whole of the event was more than perfect. How could Elbow match the memories of last year’s fine feast? Would this year’s events be a disappointing non-event in bright shining light of last year’s fun?

 Fear not, for even though you walk through the shadow of some very productive pecan trees, Elbow has a plan.

Were you to arrive at Sea Pond for the first time, the trees would be the first thing you noticed, were it not for the 1840’s house in the middle of everything. But ever after I was attacked by the African Geese ( no ankle is truly safe anymore) there was a small crowd of people on the side steps shelling this year’s harvest of pecans. Billions and billions, as Carl Sagan would say.

This year bumper harvest of guests included, Californians, Canadians, Cajuns, Pagans, the three generations of one family, two of another, and of course the two amythical sons of Elbow, the NOLA Supermodel from last year, three dogs, three cats, two geese, three horses, and me. Most of the people attending were new to me. But Elbow chooses guest most wisely and I was able flow in and out of conversation that included pre- World War Two birders to a woman of today who lives with thirty or more birds.

 Did you know there were Newfoundland Gulls that preyed on Newfoundland ducks? Also, you cannot keep straight billed birds in the same atrium with curved billed birds. And to top all of this off, I discovered that Allison Krause can make even Robert Plant sound good. Horse stories were traded and dog tales were told. All the while, the perfect incense of the turkey filled the high ceilings and wafted around the porches like spirits of Thanksgivings past.

As well as choosing those who would make a good conversation, Elbow also sprinkled among her guest those who could cook, and cook well. There was, of course, the second excellent turkey, this one also cooked to perfect, (as was the last one, Elbow, so live with it.) But there was also green beans cooked in garlic, the NOLA spinach thing that was also such a hit last year, there were whole onions cooked to perfection, and dressing that was just above heavenly. The real cranberry sauce was as good as the dressing gravy which of course had hard boiled eggs in it.

Diet? We don’t need no stinkin diet!

The whole of the party fell to feasting and for several moments silence reigned upon the land. Seconds, thirds, and then all semblance of restraint totally disappeared as food usually reserved for those who have died and gone to heaven was devoured. Thanksgiving, a day set aside for giving thanks to good food and great company had been fulfilled at Elbow’s Sea Pond once more.

Take Care,

Mike