Happy Thanksgiving

[nanila]

Yesterday I ran a meeting all day, which was productive but not the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

But then! Then, I went to have kamayan (Filipino feast) at a restaurant in Earl's Court, as organised by kake. Also in attendance were owlfish and tiny baby aka Tonic, oursin, kaberett and someone whose Dreamwidth handle I don't know, if they have one. All A+ company, would nomnomnom with again.

We had kamayan, which included lechon, chicken adobo, bangus and pinakbet, served on a bed of rice and with corn on the cob on top. The veggie among us had the tortang talong (aubergine omelette), which I didn't try but am assured was delicious. For the meat-eaters, the fish and the pork were definitely the winning entrees.


The feast laid out on the table. Kamayan is eaten with the hands, hence the lack of utensils.

Many sighs of contentment were uttered amidst the conversation.

And then, joy of joys, afterward there was halo halo with ube ice cream.


Halo halo topped with ube ice cream, leche flan (caramel custard) and purple twirl. Also note dueling dessert photos. The nice thing about this is that we then we get to eat our desserts. Everyone wins! \o/

I think this might be the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving outside of the USA that I've tried so far. Many thanks to kake for this. Also to Tonic, for being a tiny baby at whom I could gaze adoringly across the table.

Comments

[cosmolinguist]

Yay, lovely food and good people is all that Thanksgiving should be.

[nanila]

Yes, exactly. As many problems as I have with its origin story, I'm on board with the modern incarnation of Thanksgiving.

Wow!

[ysabetwordsmith]

That food looks incredibly good. Also thanks for sharing the feast idea, because I was just writing up a Filipino character so cultural tidbits are useful.

Re: Wow!

[nanila]

Happy to help! Also recommend trying one yourself. For research purposes. ;)

Re: Wow!

[ysabetwordsmith]

I would happily try such a feast if I ever get the opportunity. It looks mouth-watering.

[slemslempike]

Oh, WOW that looks incredibly tasty!

[nanila]

Oh yeah, it was. The adobo was a bit disappointing (too dry) but everything else was great.

[kaberett]

D is indeed not on Dreamwidth, and it was lovely to see you all. <3

[nanila]

Re D: I selfishly rather wish they were. Their stories would make good DW entries!

I so enjoyed the company. Yours especially. Your presence is a joy.

[davidgillon]

That looks fantastic, and stellar company!

[nanila]

Yes on both counts!

[rmc28]

Mmmmmmm my mouth is watering just looking at those photos.

Also yay for adorable tiny babies :-)

[kaberett]

I GOT TO HOLD THE SMOL

[rmc28]

:-)

(Nico went to play with a tiny toddler after his gym class tonight, and when toddler started crying, he hugged them until their adult came)

[nanila]

So Good. Must return again. Come and visit!
:)

I was never a baby person until I had my own and now I'm such a baby person. <3333

[worlds_of_smoke]

oooh. Looks like a delicious spread! And it sounds like you had a lovely time. <3

[nanila]

It was, and I did. It was an oasis of calm and pleasure in the midst of a very stressful week.

[mysterysquid]

Happy Thanksgiving. That food all looks amazing!

[nanila]

Thanks! Oh, it was. I'm currently plotting to drag my favourite work colleagues there for pancit.

[cmcmck]

And not a turkey in sight! :o)

[nanila]

Correct. I think the philosophy is, "Why have turkey when you can have pork?"

[fred_mouse]

That looks like a lot of very tasty food!

Am now wishing the local store that used to stock ube ice-cream still did :{.

[nanila]

It was delicious and I ate as much of it as I could get into my belly.

Oh no, deprived of an ube source! My sympathies.

[fred_mouse]

'Tis indeed a tragedy. But I can still get nata de coco at least!