things to do

It’s official…. we’re taking the leap and offering our first ever evening meal event at BEANS…. Thanksgiving Dinner. Thought I’d pick something I’ve had some practice with. Since moving to England… 30 odd years ago….. Thanksgiving has been a tradition shared between 4 families. The beauty is that you only have to clean your house once every 4 years. We all help to bring some food, but the host has the added responsibility of finding seats for everyone. Now that the kids have partners and kids of their own… well, let’s just say that the plan is to start hiring a hall from next year.

Our 4 family Thanksgiving Dinner is going to be a bit late this year, as someone is traveling around America as we speak (details chronicled in the BEANS restroom). The real Thanksgiving is the 4th Thursday of November. And then, as you would expect, the holiday goes on through Friday and the weekend. Well, you can’t just go back to work after a meal like that. Recovery time needs to be factored in. The BEANS version of Thanksgiving will be on Saturday, 26th November, starting at 7pm. It is a ticket only event.

The story goes that Thanksgiving is about the Pilgrims (you know, the ones from Scrooby, England) sharing their first harvest with the Native Americans who supplied the seeds and the know-how for growing food in American soil. The pilgrims arrived ready to plant and grow vegetables in their new homeland, but they had seeds better suited to the English climate. Out with brussel sprouts and cabbage. In with corn, pumpkins and sweet potatoes (or something like that). Parades (with Santa bringing up the rear) and American football matches now help to round out the day. We won’t be able to offer you those at BEANS, but we should be able to manage to give you that too full feeling that is a key part of the day.

If you’re interested in joining us, details are below. You can get your tickets from BEANS.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Saturday, 26th November 2011. 7pm start.

Starter

Pumpkin soup

Main

Turkey or Mushroom and Lentil Loaf (V)

Sage and Marjoram Stuffing

Roast and Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Brown Sugar

Orange, Walnut, Date and Cream Cheese ‘Jello’ Salad (V option available)

Vegetables

Pudding

Sweet Potato Pie served with Whipped Cream

This event is ticket only. Price: £15 per person.

Tickets may be purchased from BEANS coffee shop gallery.

BEANS is not licensed to sell alcohol, but feel free to bring along a bottle of your own.

Fruit juices, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea will be available to purchase.

Here we are, half way through October. How did that happen? No, I haven’t disappeared off the face of the earth – or given up on BEANS. Yes, things are still moving forward…. but with a slight twist (or at least a variation on Plan A). So – where are we now?

The builders have been working like mad – and the upstairs is nearly finished (though I need to decorate and decide how to approach the floor…). The downstairs floor has been sorted (part old and part new) and the new stair landing and lower steps and stair railing (the old one was climbable apparently) are underway. Once complete, that will just leave the kitchen work area and odds and ends (which is quite a long list actually). But, we are aiming for da da da da da da………. 1st December as the opening day (fingers crossed).

The Silver Rings Course with Jessica Noonan will be the first course – on 12 December. Places are filling up fast (we only have 10 spaces), so if you are interested, please complete a booking form. Our other courses will run, but not until the new year. Keep an eye out for new dates on this site. We are also hoping to have a pop-in-and-see demonstration evening in December so you can meet an artist or two and see what is on offer. Again, details will appear on the site.

And, I’m currently advertising for staff. I am looking for coffee shop assistants to help in the shop. The duties will include making espresso based coffee drinks and other hot drinks, preparing food, serving customers and taking payment, waiting tables, cleaning and washing dishes as well as any other duties that may crop up. Previous catering experience is an advantage as well as knowledge of food safety and hygiene (though not essential as training will be given). Closing date for CVs and covering letters (addressed to the shop) is 29th October. Hours (we will be open Monday – Saturday) and wages negotiable (minimum wage will be met).

Karen