Thanksgiving 2016 in Switzerland – Trump calls for unity on YouTube

Every year in late November, Americans come together with family and friends to reflect, be thankful and help those in need, all while sharing a sizable meal composed of roast turkey, cranberry stuffing, mashed potatoes, string beans and decadent pies. There are few American celebrations that represent the comfort of home and family as whole-heartedly as Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving happens to be one of those rituals Americans take with them when they move abroad, and it’s no different here in Switzerland.

After a tumultuous presidential election, Thanksgiving will bring greater reflection to many than recent years.

President-elect Donald Trump calls for unity in a Thanksgiving speech on YouTube where he speaks of raw emotions and tensions that “just don’t heal overnight”.

For those Americans living in Switzerland here is some of what is on offer for Thanksgiving this year.

No matter your age, profession or preferred pie flavour, there is probably a place for you to spend Thanksgiving this year on Thursday 24 November and not miss out on delicious food and great company.

Geneva

If you are looking to delight your taste buds with traditional Thanksgiving dishes with a twist of French flair and whipped up by a Michelin-star chef, we’ve got the perfect place. The American International Club (AIC) of Geneva will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel Beau-Rivage on Friday, 25 November at 19h00. For a non-member fee of CHF 150 (CHF 125 for members). There will be a Tombola and charity auction to aid Geneva Red Cross’s support for the homeless. There will also be a band and dancing.

“Thanksgiving is really a must for Americans living abroad,” said Mary Hofstetter, Director of Development at the AIC, in an interview with Le News. “They really feel they’ve missed something if they haven’t had Thanksgiving. It’s such an important part of American tradition and it brings people together in a very friendly, intimate way.”

Craving a more cozy evening with a no-fuss, set menu of the staple Thanksgiving dishes? Au P’tit Bonheur WAS the place to go. Sadly it closed on 30 September 2015. A set Thanksgiving menu is still an option at Restaurant Seventy 5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Make sure to call ahead of time for reservations.

Zurich

In Zurich the Baur au Lac offers a Thanksgiving menu. The American Club of Zurich also has a Thanksgiving event at the Pulcino.

But if you want your Thanksgiving meal to really taste like home – and also save some money while you’re at it – why not impress your friends, American or not, with a feast prepared “chez vous”? Head to the open-air market on Place de la Fusterie on Wednesdays and stock up on essentials like dried cranberries, figs, nuts and fresh produce. And smaller-than-American Swiss ovens are no excuse to forgo the turkey. Swiss birds are smaller.

Most importantly, with the gift-giving season right around the corner, consider getting a head start on Thanksgiving by donating to a local charity or cause of your choice. It could be a local hospice, an orphanage, or you can even find a cause online at Cause Direct. While Thanksgiving is certainly a time to loosen your belt and enjoy great food, remember the essence of the holiday: count your blessings, and spread some around, too.

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