Thanksgiving is upon us once again (for non-Americans and those just completely out of the loop – it falls on Thursday, November 25 this year), which means Americans around the world will participate in that time-honoured tradition of eating ridiculous amounts of turkey and pumpkin pie while being surrounded by family and friends. Officially, we're supposed to be celebrating the first “peaceful” meal between the Native Americans and the British colonists who settled on America and claimed it as their own. But for most, it's simply a chance to remember how blessed we really are for: loved ones, good health, friendship, [insert what you're thankful for here].
anghai, though. Often you're away from your nearest and dearest and it can be tough to figure out how to spend such a traditional holiday. But don't worry, because Shanghai has got you covered with a bountiful array of Thanksgiving options that would make Mom proud. So grab a group of friends and prepare to chow down on one of the yummiest holidays of the year. (Venue info found at the bottom of the article).

Hotel Dinners
The hotel Thanksgiving options are always popular with the expat crowd, and it can be a great choice – if you're willing to shell out the big bucks. Almost all the high end hotels are hosting dinners, but for those on a budget, there are two good bets this year. One of them is Tatler's Restaurant, located in the JC Mandarin Hotel. They're offering a full Thanksgiving buffet, with turkey, ham, pumpkin pie, and all the fixings for 228 RMB a person (plus the hotel's usual 15% surcharge). That price also includes all you can drink soft drinks and (local) beer. Another hotel buffet option is Le Bistrot in the Le Royal Meridien Shanghai. 368 RMB (plus a 15% surcharge) gets you the Thanksgiving usuals, plus free flow soft drinks, beer, and house wine in a pleasingly elegant atmosphere. They're not the cheapest options out there, but they're certainly two of the less outrageous ones, especially in terms of hotel offerings.

Restaurants
If you're looking for something that's likely to be a bit more rowdy, two popular expat restaurants are hosting their own Thanskgiving dinners this year. Boxing Cat Brewery is pulling out the stops at all three of their locations (including their brand spanking new one at Sinan Mansions). They'll be offering turkey (of course), ham, gravy, two kinds of potatoes, sage and sausage stuffing, and plenty of pie for dessert. You can also order in advance if you want to take this spread home. 399 RMB (or 99 RMB for children twelve years of age and younger) gets you all this plus, if you dine in, you'll be able to take advantage of the free flow beers, house wine, soft drinks and iced tea. Book early, though, because there are only two “seatings” - one at 18:00 and one at 20:00.

Another expat favorite is Malone's, which is offering its version of Thanksgiving for 300 RMB a person. Their set menu includes smoked salmon salad, cognac chicken consomme, turkey and ham (if you book a party of ten or more people, you'll get a whole one of each), stuffing, cranberry sauce, broccoli with cheese sauce, peas and carrots, three variations of potatoes, dessert and one glass of wine. Once again, be sure to make your reservation as soon as possible, because their two “seatings” (17:00-20:00 and 20:00-23:00) usually fill up quickly.

And finally, if you're looking for something a little different this year, Maya is offering “Thanksgiving with a Mexican Touch.” With appetizers like pumpkin soup with chorizo and roasted pepita, and main courses like achiote roasted turkey with mole style gravy and chipotle cream corn mashed potatoes, this isn't your usual Thanksgiving. But then again, Shanghai isn't your usual Thanksgiving destination!

Events/entertainment
While food is certainly an important element of the holiday, it's also important to remember that this is the season to be grateful for what you have and to give back. That's why Lune is hosting Rocksgiving, in conjunction with the BEAN organization and the Shanghaiist. Beginning at 20:00, local bands will showcase their talent while prizes are given away. The door charge is 50 RMB, with all proceeds going to the Shanghai Migrant School Scholarship Program through the Hong Kong based charity CWEF.. Right now the band line up includes favorites like Friend or Foe, Boys Climbing Ropes and Duck Fight Goose. Lune is owned by the same people in charge of (the now defunct) LOgO, so you know it's going to be a rocking night.

Venue Information:

Tatler's Restaurant @ JC Mandarin HotelView In Map
Add: 1/F, 1225 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Jiangning Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市南京西路1225号1楼近江宁路
Tel: 021 6279 1888 ext. 5107

Le Bistrot @ Le Royal Meridien ShanghaiView In Map
Add: 789 Nanjing Dong Lu, near Jiujiang Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市南京东路789号
Tel: 021 3318 9999 ext. 7008

Boxing Cat Brewery (Sinan Mansions branch)View In Map
Add: 519 Fuxing Zhong Lu, Unit 26 A, near Chongqing Nan Lu and Fuxing Park, Shanghai
地址:上海市复兴西路519号 近思南路
Tel: 021 6426 0360

Malone's View In Map
Add: 255 Tongren Lu, near Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市铜仁路255号近南京西路
Tel: 021 6247 2400

MayaView In Map
Add: 2/F, Club House, Shanghai Grand Plaza, 568 Julu Lu,near Shaanxi Nan Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市巨鹿路568号四方新城俱乐部2楼近陕西南路
Tel: 021 6289 6889

LuneView In Map
Add: 218 Xinle Lu, near Donghu Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市新乐路218号近东湖路
Tel: 021 139 0197-4330 

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