We all know that Thanksgiving in America commemorates the Pilgrims celebration of their first harvest after settling in Massachusetts in 1621. History shows that the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to share the bounty of the crops and the forests. Not as well known is that the actual declaration of this national holiday wasn’t made until Abraham Lincoln penned it in 1863. For fine dining in Orlando on Thanksgiving this year, consider making a “pilgrimage” to Christini’s Ristorante Italiano.
While Italians do not have a national day of Thanksgiving per se, there are many holidays celebrated throughout the course of the year that give thanks to numerous patron saints. La Festa del Ringraziamento (or Festival of Thanks) is the largest of these holidays, which brings together food, family, and friends. Italian tables are filled with family favorites and consumed leisurely while enjoying one another’s company.
Thanksgiving in an Italian-American home is a fantastic thing to experience! Italians migrating to America have embraced this traditional holiday and proudly served the traditional turkey dinner complete with all the trimmings. Stuffing (or dressing), fresh vegetables, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and mashed potatoes complete the American side of the dinner offering. Ah, but then we blend in the Italian influences on this meal.
Depending on the region of their family origin, Italian-Americans will offer antipasti before the main course. Pressed meats, cheeses, olives, anchovies, etc., perhaps some delicious stuffed mushrooms, and always crusty bread are a part of the meal. There may be a soup course (Italian Wedding Soup is a favorite for some regions), there will usually be a light pasta course (nothing too heavy before the main course is served), and always more crusty bread. In some families, a ham is substituted for the turkey in the main course offering.
Dessert? Well, dessert in an Italian-American Thanksgiving meal will usually be preceded by a lovely assortment of fresh fruits and nuts, and perhaps a variety of cheeses. A digestif (an after-dinner drink or cordial) is not unusual at this point in the meal although some prefer to wait until after dessert. Dessert itself is a large combination of American pies such as apple, pumpkin and sweet potato offered along with Italian favorites like cannoli, pignoli cookies, sesame seed cookies, and other family favorites.
Sound exquisite? Is your mouth watering? It takes time and planning to execute the perfect Italian-American Thanksgiving Dinner. Spend no time in the kitchen this year and experience fine dining in Orlando. Leave the perfect Thanksgiving Dinner to Christini’s Ristorante Italiano. We are open for Thanksgiving Dinner, offering a traditional turkey dinner with our unique and exquisite Christini’s flair. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call now to enjoy this once a year tradition.