About 200 people enjoyed a free Thanksgiving Dinner in Simon Meadow.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
About 200 people shared a pleasant and delicious Thanksgiving meal at Simon Meadow on November 22. With perfect weather, the long table snaked across Simon Meadow, located at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road.
The tables were festively decorated with colorful paper leaves and pumpkins and gourds from the YMCA Pumpkin patch. The event was free and people from the fire-ravished Pacific Palisades were invited to gather over a meal and enjoy community.
The lunch catered by Kennsington Caterer included turkey, cranberries, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, tri-colored baby carrots, broccoli, stuffing and fresh bread. For dessert there were pecan-pie bars, an apple-strudel bar and a chocolate morsal.
The food was prepared by Kensington Caterers.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
The food was delicious and of high quality, unlike many buffet-style meals. Cindy Simon, who attended with her family, says she plans to use them in the future. (This editor reached out to the caterers to see if they would share the stuffing recipe—if they will, I’ll share it with residents.)
This couple enjoyed the desserts.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
Beyond the great food, it was a calm, peaceful environment under large trees, a perfect picnic setting.
Palisades Malibu Lowe Family YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley was asked where the idea came from. “I’ve wanted to do something like this for seven years,” he said, “but I’ve never had the funding before.”
And people did strike up conversations with those next to them. As one participant said, “It’s camaraderie at its best.”
The meal was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of L.A. and the Pacific Palisades Community Council.
The luncheon included all ages, including Griffey Simon and his youngest daughter.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
“I hope that people will stick around and chat and maybe take a walk on Winding Way,” Kirtley said. Winding Way is a nature trail that was created five years ago by Cindy Simon, a cardboard and plastics artist, and Tracey Price of American Growers, a local landscaping company.
The two took an unused and overgrown section of the meadow, cleared out the debris and filled the area with colorful birdhouses, wooden bridges, stone walls and several seating areas, all shaded by native coast live oak trees.
Those who participated also received a grocery card ($100 per family) to help purchase their own Thanksgiving food.
As the event wound down, Kirtley said “It’s exactly what I wanted. People meeting and talking to people they’ve never met before.”
Maryam Zar (left), Haldis Toppel, Jeff Ridgway and Abby met friends at the luncheon.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
Absolutely delicious! Stuffing recipe please!!
It was a nice event with excellent food!
About 200 people gathered at Simon Meadow on November 22 for a free Thanksgiving meal, enjoying weather, camaraderie, and a beautifully catered lunch by Kensington Caterers. The event, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of L.A. and Pacific Palisades Community Council, included all ages, festive decor, nature walks, and grocery cards for families.
Absolutely incredible.
What a stunning example of the best of the Palisades. So, so beautiful.
Cheers to all of those who had a hand in putting this together.