Thanksgiving Month Festivities in Sydney
The last Thursday in November (24/11/22) is recognised across the world as the national Thanksgiving Holiday in the US. And even if you’re not an expat living Down Under, chances are you’ve heard (and been envious from afar) of the incredible food, drinks and celebrations that come along with this iconic annual holiday.
Well, salivate no longer because three leading American-inspired venues have teamed up to bring Thanksgiving to Sydney this November, by launching Thanksgiving Month. This first-of-its-kind series of events will feature an extensive range of food and drink offerings that will put a unique spin on classic holiday favourites such Thanksgiving Pie Cocktails, Snickerdoodle Desserts and will be the only place in Sydney where you can feast on a whole roast Turkey. Yes, Alexander Hamilton had it right when he said, we’re “young, scrappy and hungry.”
The venues hosting this month-long series of Thanksgiving-themed experiences are New Orleans inspired NOLA Smokehouse and Bar, underground cocktail bar The Swinging Cat and the recently opened Nashville-inspired whiskey and country music bar, Jolene’s. Not only will the venues have exclusive cocktail and food menus available to satisfy your every American craving, but there will also be a ‘parade’ of local bands and special guest artists performing live throughout the month.
On the Thanksgiving Month, Pete Fischer, General Manager and Director of NOLA and The Swinging Cat says, “Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that is steeped in history and nostalgia. Even if people haven’t been to the US for Thanksgiving before, most people could name one or two traditions that are iconic to the occasion, with incredible food, drinks, a sense of community, and entertainment at its core. As the hospitality industry bounces back after two years of ongoing disruptions, we are really excited to bring these three American venues together to host a fun and simple Thanksgiving experience that will hopefully allow all Aussies the opportunity to enjoy moments of camaraderie and celebration together. Who says the Yankees get to have all the fun?! And there’s an option for everyone. Each venue will be putting on a unique Thanksgiving offering, from sit-down formal banquets, all the way up to late-night Thanksgiving-Throwdown parties!”
Want to join in on the festivities? Find out all the details of each venues’ offering below:
NOLA SMOKEHOUSE AND BAR
Level 1, One International Towers Sydney, 100 Barangaroo Avenue
On Thanksgiving, Thursday 24th November, NOLA Smokehouse and Bar will be hosting an exclusive Thanksgiving Feast Set Menu, featuring all the American classics. With Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Deviled Eggs and Pumpkin Pie up for grabs, bookings are essential. Oh and did we mention it will be the only restaurant in Sydney where you will be able to enjoy an actual roast Thanksgiving Turkey? Sign us up!
The NOLA Thanksgiving Set Menu is $130 p/p and can be ordered alongside a range of brand-new Thanksgiving-inspired cocktails including a ‘Southern Belle Spritz’ and banana pudding inspired ‘Banana Ballroom’. And if you and your friends and family are looking at something a bit extra-special to celebrate this day, the NOLA Private Dining Room can also be booked for the occasion, but get in quick as this is first in, first served.
If you can’t make it down on Thanksgiving, you can also pop along any night of the month and enjoy the Thanksgiving Cocktails, classic Pumpkin Pie or the good tunes from local artist, Riot Squad.
For more details, or to book, visit: https://www.nolasydney.com/
THE SWINGING CAT
44 King Street, Sydney
If you’re looking for an excuse to indulge in delicious cocktails and experience the vibrant culture of the American South, The Swinging Cat is serving up the great times this Thanksgiving Month. Every night for the month of November, leading underground bar The Swinging Cat will be offering a creative Thanksgiving drinks menu taking inspiration from holiday favourites including ‘Peach Kiss’ and Banana-Split inspired ‘Let’s Split.’ And if you’re feeling peckish, you need to stick around to try their Thanksgiving Leftovers Jaffle stuffed with turkey, brie and cranberry jam! Stay on to catch their Thanksgiving Parade music line-up including The Swinging Cat House Band and The Sazeracs.
For further information, or to book a table, visit: https://www.theswingingcat.com/
JOLENE’S
The Basement Level of 73 York Street, Sydney
As Sydney’s newest American bar on the block, Jolene’s is the perfect place to cut loose and have a Thanksgiving throwdown! With a similar selection of Thanksgiving cocktails including the ‘Just Peachy’ and the ‘King Kong,’ Jolene’s will also be helping you finish out the night with decadent American desserts including a Southern-Style Pecan Pie. Or if you’re looking for something to soak up the cocktails, why not try their Thanksgiving Turkey Dog topped with Cranberry Slaw and Stuffing Crumb! So grab a cocktail, sit back and listen, or stand up and dance to the line-up of entertainment including Red Slim, Bryen Williams Duo, Lozz Benson and CK & the 45s.
Bookings are essential for booths, but walk-ins are always welcome. For further information or to book a table, visit: https://jolenessydney.com/
