Giving Thanks

A good Thanksgiving dinner in Tokyo can be as hard to come by as an empty seat on the Yamanote line. - www.metropolis.co.jp November 2013 

That may be true, but given that it is my favorite meal of the year I wasn't willing to give it up without an exhaustive effort. Considering the limitations of our kitchen (two burners and a toaster oven), I determined it would take approximately 1.2 years to bring together all the necessary and familiar dishes I craved, so I quickly dismissed any ambitions of making the meal myself and set about finding the elusive Thanksgiving dinner in Tokyo.  I was pleasantly surprised to find it was actually easier than finding a seat on the Yamanote line!* 

An internet search led us to a hotel in mid-town Tokyo where we enjoyed a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast. What a special evening...blessings aplenty, and grateful for all of them!  

A few of those blessings are featured below...please forgive the poor quality of the dinner pictures.  We call that 'ambiance'. :-)

Don't Walk: Chris & Evelyn follow the
rules on our way to sightseeing and dinner.

                   Patrick and Evelyn survey the magical hotel lobby

 

When life hands you a toaster oven, make....reservations. 


(Side note)

*The Yamanote is notoriously crowded, and just when you think one more person can't possibly squeeze onto the train, you realize the flaw of your amateur prediction:  While it is true that ONE more person CAN'T possibly squeeze onto the train, FOUR more people CAN!  Yes, difficult to find a seat, indeed. Just ask Patrick and Evelyn, who are ruthless in their efforts at securing a spot during rush hour.  For Patrick, at least, it's the thrill of the hunt, because he inevitably gives up his seat to a less successful and teary-eyed Evelyn or an elderly woman hunched over her shopping cart.  Dozo, he gestures, receiving a grateful arigato in return - much to his delight.