AN AMERICAN THANKSGIVING LUNCH IN MONTECARLO
by Eleonora Pedron MONTECARLO. As in past years, members and friends of the American Club of the Riviera gathered around an elegant lunch table in Monte Carlo to celebrate the cherished family holiday of Thanksgiving. The venue was the splendid Salon Bellevue at the Café de Paris. This was truly Thanksgiving done to the highest standards, with a traditional American feast of turkey and all the trimmings, preceded by a Champagne reception.
The company were joined honored guests from the US Army. Among the most poignant highlights of our Thanksgiving lunches are the presence of the US Military personnel who share this quintessentially family holiday with the American Club. Far away from home, they greatly appreciate being welcomed into the Club for this one special day, and, in turn, they enrich the experience of Thanksgiving. The Club had historically invited a number of service men/women, but again this year, the US Military in Europe were restricting the availability of their personnel, and the Club had only a very few of these fine people. The event that was held at 12:30 at the Salon Bellevue of the Café de Paris required Jacket and Tie dress code. It was sold out days before Thursday 24th November 2016. The price amount for the delicious lunch including festive Champagne reception, complete Thanksgiving meal, and all beverages was €85 for members of the American Club of the Riviera and their immediate families; €90 for members of affiliated clubs; €95 for non-members. The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621. This feast lasted three days, and it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.
It is not often noted that Thanksgiving is a holiday, which is neither military nor religious. It started as a harvest festival and now gives Americans an opportunity to express what they are thankful for. Living or visiting the French Riviera is wonderful and is certainly something for which the Americans should give thanks.
