'Colonists' have fun at First Feast

LEHI — If the Pilgrims' first feast was anything like that served at Thanksgiving Point, it's no wonder Thanksgiving was proclaimed a national holiday.

As diners entered the Show Barn at this past week's First Feast, they immediately became Plymouth colonists. The governor himself, William Bradford, greeted guests, along with William Brewster, Capt. Myles Standish, John Alden and Squanto. The actors stayed in character and had a great deal of fun with the colonists.

Happily, the advertised oysters and goat's milk were just part of the entertainment. The cabbage, leeks and onions were very tasty.

The rest of the meal was pleasing to the palate, as well. All the food and drink was served on or in pewter. Eating utensils included a spoon and a large knife.

The table decorations were the usual gourds, leaves and twigs. Added to that were raspberries and blueberries meant for eating. Cheese, a big round ball loaf made without leavening, butter and salad greens were by each plate with cruets of vinegar and oil. To drink? Apple cider and water.

Served from big metal pails and chargers were corn pudding (a table favorite), stewed pumpkin, roast pork, roast turkey, smoked salmon and berry cobbler.

The roast pork was succulent and pull-apart lean. The turkey (sadly a modern pressed version) was tasty. The heavily smoked salmon was palatable.

The dessert was disappointing with a lot more crust than berry and burnt.

On the other hand, the ambience was wonderful. The clincher comes when Squanto starts eating from your plate.

At $30 per person, it is well worth the investment.

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E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com