18th-Century Thanksgiving Dinner at Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum

Christopher Prosperi, one of the most engaging top chefs in Connecticut cuisine, will visit the Webb-Deane-Stevens (WDS) Museum on Sunday, November 16, 2014, to share his views on the history of what many consider to be the ultimate comfort food—the traditional Thanksgiving feast. The setting is fitting: one would be hard-pressed to find more traditional fare than that served annually at the 18th-Century Thanksgiving Dinner at WDS; the menu was designed by a food historian and is based on centuries-old New England recipes. At this year’s event, guests will enjoy Prosperi’s wit and wisdom, and hear details of some of the renowned chef’s own Thanksgiving experiences—including a reenactment of the first Thanksgiving.

Mr. and Mrs. Silas Deane will host the historical event dressed in period clothing. Dinner will be preceded by a wine reception at noon, with light fare and 18th-century music. Guests are welcome to explore the Silas Deane House and chat with the Deanes and Prosperi before dinner.

Shortly before 1 p.m., a servant will ring the dinner bell and invite the guests to adjourn to the Webb Barn. The carefully researched menu, prepared by J Restaurant, of Hartford, will include dishes typically served at Thanksgiving in the 1700s: venison pie, roasted goose and turkey, chine of pork, pottage of cabbage, leeks and onions, puddings and several vegetables, pumpkin and apple pie, and selections of wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Prosperi will give his presentation on Thanksgiving during dessert.

Prosperi is chef owner of Metro Bis restaurant in Simsbury, Connecticut, a Hartford Courant recipe columnist, an international cooking teacher from Mexico to Italy, a weekly chef on NBC Connecticut, television host of “New England Cuisine” and a weekly co-host on "The Faith Middleton Show: The Food Schmooze" on WNPR. The New York Times declares “…Prosperi is a technical master, an original American chef whose restaurant is worth traveling for” and the Zagat Survey has ranked Metro Bis in the top five in the state for American food.

Tickets for the 18th-Century Thanksgiving Dinner are $85 per person, and include the reception, 18th-century music and an optional tour of the three historic homes at the museum following the event. Reservations are required and available by calling (860) 529-0612.

About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum provides the quintessential New England experience - from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. Tours include the 1752 Joseph Webb House, where General George Washington met with French General Rochambeau and planned the military campaign leading to the end of the Revolutionary War, the 1770 Silas Deane House, built for America’s first diplomat to France, and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts Connecticut life in the 18th and 19th centuries. For more information visit: www.webb-deane-stevens.org or call (860) 529-0612. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDSMUSEUM.