Thanksgiving on the Hill

Although I am a HUGE proponent of Southern California and all its weather has to offer, I have to admit that I prefer to be in DC for Thanksgiving. The air is crisp, the leaves are still colorful, and the bounty that is Thanksgiving can be found only a few blocks away from our house in Capitol Hill.

Although this is only our second Thanksgiving here, I feel that I have a ritual in place, which includes waking early and walking down a few beautiful blocks lined with historic homes to Eastern Market to pick up my fresh turkey and a few other essentials, so that I may begin cooking. A morning outing is essential, because by noon the market is swamped and by afternoon it's downright crazy. The market closes for Turkey day and the day after, so it's important to stock up on all the fixins while you can. The two-day wait for groceries can be a long one if you've planned poorly. What is Thanksgiving if it's not all about the food?

This Thanksgiving I thought that I would photo-document my trip, so that you guys could come along with me. I'm thankful for many things, including the things that you'll see in the pictures here. I'm also thankful for all of you. It's great to have such an extended family of cyber-friends to share with, and to hear from on a daily basis. You make my knitting and life much richer. For those of you who are fellow Hillers - shout out! For those of you who don't know these places - take note! If you ever have a chance to do Thanksgiving here, this is a great way to do it.

My first stop at Eastern Market is the Sweet Shoppe. They sell $2 bags of cut up bread for stuffing - it's an economical and quick way to put together a side. This place is also famous for its excellent bearclaws and pesto. My own pesto recipe was inspired by the Sweet Shoppe's use of spinach and parsely as dominant ingredients. It's good stuff.

Stop number two is Paik Produce. I was a good girl and did most of my market produce shopping last weekend, but I did need to pick up fresh greens. The brothers Paik (as I think of them, who knows if they are) always have good produce at a decent price, and if you buy in quantity or bring along a small child, you get a banana for free as a bonus.

Next is the biggie. I hit Market Poultry (scroll down for info!) to pick up my fresh turkey, which I ordered ahead of time. By this afternoon the pick-up line will be around the block. That's because Market Poultry carries the best, the freshest, the most amazing turkeys anywhere. You haven't had turkey until you've had theirs. Their poultry is just that good. Plus its a family-run operation. Everyone there is a son or a cousin or a close family friend. They're good folk, and they'll take care of you. You can get all kinds of goodies there - from game birds to alligator (can you say gumbo?), and great turkey bacon. And can you beat the mascot? Pretty season-appropriate.

Finally, on my way out I pass another Capitol Hill institution - The Sweet Nuthouse. It's run by a husband and wife - she makes sugar-coated nuts and he sells them (and hands out free samples!) and they are good. Everytime you pass, you're treated to a little sweet goodness.

When I arrive home, I can see that the animals are observing their own Hill rituals. Although the world outside may change - leaves fall, the weather gets colder - there are certain things you can count on to stay the same.

Happy Thanksgiving Knitters! May you shop like Hoolias (that's me - phoenetically speaking) and nap like Tunas!

Posted by Julia at November 23, 2005 07:57 AM
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