Defying Conventions on Turkey Day in Durham

💌 [Subscribe Free] | [Support Local Stories]

I’m struck by the insistence on repeating the same thing over (and over). Beholden by tradition, Americans gobble up turkey, cranberries, and dressing (if it’s out of the bird it isn’t stuffed) on Thanksgiving Day. 

Every feasting holiday apart from this is varied. There's wide latitude when it comes to holidays from Valentine’s to Independence Day, and everyone at New Year’s is either in a drying out period or a complete glut. 

But not Thanksgiving. It is always the same. A plethora of dishes that are neither terribly interesting nor satisfying. A hefty feast of, well, sameness.

How do we escape these doldrums? What recourse do we have?

There are a few ways to go out on a limb: a different protein, a different cuisine, or making a set menu. Let’ s explore each.