After being raised on Hollywood movies and repeats of Friends episodes I have always been desperate to experience an American thanksgiving dinner. The food, the laughter and sharing the things that you’re truly thankful for over the dinner table has always looked so much fun on the big and small screen.
I wondered if it would ever live up to this in real life.
I feel like I’m always wittering away about the joy of discovering new exciting dishes especially when you’re travelling. But I just get so excited about the whole world of flavours that are out in the world with my name on, calling me to take a bite. There’s something addictive about challenging your taste buds with things you wouldn’t pick up on your weekly food shop. I doubt you’d find roasted guinea pig in Tesco.
So when I was invited to celebrate thanksgiving with my cousin Anthony and his American wife Alexia I jumped at the chance, plus the dinner was held at their cute flat in Versailles. What’s not to love!
We were staying at a nearby Ibis hotel that was perfectly in reach of everything Versaille has to offer. A stone’s throw from the beautiful train station, the imposing town hall (where my amazing hosts got married two years ago – check out this post to inspire wedding venue envy) and of course the sumptuous chateaux. I’d always thought of an Ibis as a place you’d stay but not really want to spend much time in, somewhere to dump your stuff before you hit the streets that didn’t cost the earth.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when we walked into the bright and funky reception full of techno gadgets and smiling staff. The bedrooms didn’t disappoint either. Large, clean and practical with free smellies and soft towels all made me quickly rethink my previous views of this brand. But as nice as the hotel was this quick visit was all about experiencing a taste of the United States in the posh area of Paris.
With my stretchy pants on, that Joey would approve, and a big appetite I was ready to give thanks. As we walked into their flat the table was heaving under the incredible smelling food. We took it in turns to say what we were thankful for, trying to hold back the emotions as we listed the things in life that we tried hard not to take for granted.
Then, with our glasses full we dove in and piled our plates high with perfectly roasted turkey, creamy mash, roasted vegetables and Alexia’s mouthwatering home made gravy. I’m trying so hard not to dribble on my keyboard as I type this.
Soft corn bread (I can’t help but say this in bad American accent) helped to soak up the thick sauce. I honestly felt I could have been in the US of A. Well maybe if I hadn’t been surrounded by French accents as everyone chatted away!
I tried my hardest to leave a smidgen of room for dessert – homemade deep dish apple pie and my very first taste of pumpkin pie. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’d heard a lot of people say pumpkin can be like marmite – you either love it or you hate it. Well two servings later I guess I’m a lover!
Then it was back to the hotel, practically rolling down the festive lit streets to fall into bed. The next morning we were all still too stuffed for breakfast which was a shame as the hotel seemed to have everything you’d need to get you ready for a day of Parisian sightseeing.
I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed that although it was my first taste of thanks giving it won’t be my last.
Have you celebrated this festival before?
(This post has nothing to do with the big guns at Ibis - I just wanted to share this surprise of a hotel with you!)
