Thanksgiving Month

Rebecca Varidel
23rd Oct 2022

Thanksgiving has come to Sydney. Generally it's believed that the traditional American Thanksgiving is modelled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. Following on from that theme we say: time for all people to come together, join as one, and be grateful for all that we have. Yeah! Let's do it.

Throughout the month of November in Sydney, our American style venues of New Orlean's inspired NOLA Smokehouse and basement jazz joint The Swinging Cat, along with newly opened city country music bar Jolenes are dishing up traditional Thanksgiving goodies for the first-of-its-kind THANKSGIVING MONTH.

“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!” declares Pete Fischer, General Manager and Director of NOLA and The Swinging Cat.

Sydney Scoop signed up for a preview adventure this week, and we do declare: sign yourself up for all three!

NOLA Smokehouse and Bar

On Thanksgiving, Thursday 24 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?

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 (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.

The Swinging Cat

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, city basement bar The Swinging Cat will be offering a creative Thanksgiving drinks list 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.

Jolene's

As Sydney’s newest American bar on the block, Jolene’s is the perfect place to cut loose and have a Thanksgiving throwdown! Staying with the theme 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! (Please don't remind me - I could do with one of these right now...) 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.

Words by Rebecca Varidel, Photos by Kate Young

We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are Australia’s First Peoples and that the Gadigal and Bidjigal of the Eora nation are the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay our sincere respects to Elders past, present and emerging.