This year my family and relatives on my dad's side decided to eat out for Thanksgiving--my first time! We've always celebrated at my uncle's house, but after two decades he got tired of hosting and of all the toil involved. So we reserved a table at my cousin-in-law's Hyatt Regency. I was surprised to see lots of families, but they were all small parties. We were the largest group (about fifteen of us). I am thankful for Jesus Christ, for changed lives, for family, for my mom's safety in the Philippines, for my work progress, and for my new cardigan.

On the menu: butternut squash bisque, mixed greens salad, herb roasted turkey, honey baked ham, garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing, glazed sweet potatoes, carrots and green beans, and some pies.

I severely miss these restaurants for either taste or sentimental reasons, or both. They represent good things:

Daikokuya
Tahoe Galbi
Roscoe's
Havana Mania
Le Diplomate
Sam Woo Cafe (closed... boo)
Shabu Shabu Gyushintei
Sea Empress
Greenfield Churrascaria
Cherrystones
Buca di Beppo
Kozan
Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop