Crumbs in my 'Stache: Cornucopia utopia

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

By Ben Cannon

Jackson Hole, Wyoming - If you’re anything like me (aside from the moustache thing, which is trivial) then you would agree that this might be the best time of the year to dine out at a favorite restaurant, or even try a new one. The sublime mix of early holiday cheer, few crowds, a feeling of winter’s arrival and, for sure, the off-season deals certainly has something to do with it.

Upon some reflection, I should revise that to say it’s a wonderful time to dine with friends and family, period, whether it’s at home or out on the town. But don’t count on me getting all nostalgic and wistful just because it’s Thanksgiving.
It happens that I’ll actually be away for this holiday, much as I like the idea of spending it here in Jackson Hole. Oh well. Maybe next year.

But I do love Thanksgiving Day around East Jackson, when the deserted streets are peaceful as they’ll ever be. I have found that running out last-minute for a forgotten item, while usually a nuisance, can also be a tranquil moment of quiet reflection, a welcome respite before the mimosas and laborious cooking.

Speaking of mimosas, and apologies to my teetotaler readers, a friend once taught me how to kick them up a notch with a splash of vodka. Also, consider combining another juice with the usual OJ for a tasty and less acidic variation.

Another cocktail I have discovered and hope to introduce to the uninitiated this
Thanksgiving is the Bicyclette, sometimes called an Italian Bicycle. Nearly equal parts Campari, white wine (often pinot grigio) and chilled club soda layered bottom to top in that order, the Bicyclette (pronounced: bee chee klet uh) is a refreshing balance of bitter and slightly sweet. Still a recent convert myself, I look forward to testing it as a perfect daytime apertif before the turkey is served.

Here’s a bit of food news: Stone Table is offering a pre-Thanksgiving Day treat. On Wednesday, Stone Table will serve a “peasant’s feast” two-course dinner consisting of two dishes from the restaurant’s heyday. $11 gets you ceviche, or lime-cured fish, in this case mahi-mahi, followed by a lomo saltado, flank steak in a Peruvian sauce of tomato, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin and red wine. The flank steak, which was on the Stone Table’s old menu, is a favorite among those who know about it, and will be served Wednesday with rice and French fries.

Of course there are tons of restaurants offering something special for Thanksgiving Day, often with set multi-course dinners and a few seating times. And the Teton Steakhouse will continue its generous tradition of serving a free meal to whoever gets in line

Well, looks like I’m getting close to my quota, and not a minute too soon. I still have a lot of ducks to get in a row before I fly out of here.
But wherever you are this Thanksgiving, I wish you a peaceful and happy one. JHW

Photo: David Shlim picks up his Thanksgiving Day turkey from Bruce Wilsner at Whole Grocer. By Mary Grossman

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Crumbs in my 'Stache: Cornucopia utopia | Planet JH News Article: Restaurants And Dining

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