One of my favorite holiday specials to watch with my family growing up was “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”
It’s filled with hijinks — Charlie Brown somehow gets roped into hosting Thanksgiving dinner for all his friends, but he can’t cook! — and sweet moments, like when Peppermint Patty apologizes for being ungrateful for Charlie’s makeshift meal (popcorn, toast, ice cream, candy and pretzels) and realizes that the true meaning of the holiday isn’t about the lavish dinner but being together with your loved ones. It’s sappy, but in true Peanuts style, it’s also very witty and clever, especially when Snoopy and Woodstock have a full turkey with the fixings and pumpkin pie.
Turkey dinner is, of course, the center of most Thanksgiving traditions. My family celebrates with a turkey dinner and some kind of fabulous pie for dessert, and the North Fork has always been a part of that tradition. Since I was a little kid, we’ve gotten our turkey from Miloski’s Poultry Farm in Calverton, and the place always seemed steeped in mystery to me. Who is this family that sustains a lucrative poultry farm that only accepts cash after seven decades? Our contributor, Joe Mollica, spent time with the Miloskis and learned their story.
As for dessert, you simply can’t go wrong with pie (a la mode is optional). The North Fork is famous for pies, and Stephanie Villani had the delicious opportunity to meet the folks behind Hallock’s Cider Mill in Laurel, where she was surrounded by sweet confections. Locals love Hallock’s Cider Mill for their truly original creations.
Melissa Azofeifa wanted to explore the “giving” side of the Thanksgiving holiday, so she met with the leaders and volunteers of the area’s food pantries. Organizations like CAST in Southold and Open Arms Care Center are vital to the wellbeing of those in need all year-round, and Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for them. Learn about these organizations, the services they offer for the community and how you can help.
Southold-based chef Adam Kaufer has run Grace & Grit catering for many years, and is known not only for his creative and custom catering jobs, but for a really interesting off-season takeout program. In the cooler months, Kaufer hosts weekly takeout pop-ups with cuisine you can’t find anywhere else on the North Fork, from Indian to Korean and more. I hung out with Kaufer while he worked a clam chowder pop-up at Chronicle Wines and found some interesting facts about the friendly chef.
Elsewhere in this issue, I explored Riverhead’s bustling food and drink scene (with some fun side activities along the way). Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library director Rosemary Winters shares her favorite things to do on the North Fork.
And for more Thanksgiving traditions, contributor Victoria Caruso had a turkey dinner at Modern Snack Bar in Aquebogue. Known for its iconic sign on Main Road, Modern Snack Bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and offers some unique takes on traditional Thanksgiving fare, like their famous mashed turnips. Check out Victoria’s culinary adventure. And if you’re looking for the right wine to serve at your holiday table? Amy Zavatto has you covered.
At the end of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” Marcie tells a dejected Charlie Brown: “Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that’s what they mean by ‘Thanksgiving,’ Charlie Brown.” So this Thanksgiving, spend time with your loved ones, whether it’s family or friends, and remember to snap the wishbone for good luck.
Lee Meyer
Managing Editor
