Run, Turkey, Run!!!!!

Mary and I spend our winters in Venice, FL. Over the years we have done a number of things on Thanksgiving Day. Sometimes our church cooked dinner and we went there to eat with our church family. Some years we went to the clubhouse at our park, Ramblers Rest Resort, and ate with our park family. Other years we simply went to a nice restaurant and had dinner by ourselves. This year we are doing something different.

We frequently eat at a small Polish restaurant in North Port, FL called “LaRae's Restaurant.” LaRae and her husband John run the restaurant. He is the chef, and she runs the dining room staff. One year they invited their regular customers to a Thanksgiving feast that they prepared in the restaurant. This is one of those restaurants where the patrons learn to know each other. We often introduce ourselves to our neighbors and chat like neighbors often do. The place reminds me of a small-town gathering place. I guess that is what it really is.

In addition to the friendly atmosphere, they serve outstanding food. We love items from the menus such as Kielbasa, Golamki, Pierogis, Bigos, Beef Roulade, Leg of Lamb, etc. Speaking of menus, they have an interesting way of presenting them. Rather than printed menus, they write it on several black boards, which they prop up on a chair near your table while you make your selections. They also have one price, for all entrees. This includes soup, salad, bread, the entree, and dessert. They do all their own baking and make their own salad dressings.

The food that was served at our Thanksgiving feast was scrumptious, and the fellowship was exciting. This dinner was a far cry from going to Grandmother's house. Wherever we go to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we must remember the source of our blessings, and also keep in mind those who do not have good meals on Thanksgiving Day. We have so much and so many have so little. May God bless you and yours when you next celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Yours truly, the Old Professor.