Pass the Gravy, Please

Norman Rockwell would have painted it this way: on Thanksgiving, the aging father hands the sacred carving utensils to a nervous but proud son who has been anxiously awaiting this moment all his life. The ritual of watching, jaw agape, as Dad carves away delectable bits of Butterball is a moment steeped in tradition. Maybe this was the one time a year (save for the Christmas goose) that Dad held top billing over the rest of the scrumptious food and Mom's pumpkin pie.
Yes, I know Thanksgiving has passed...so has Norman Rockwell. The eldest son in our family, a young stalwart named Ryun, was so anxious that the bird be dissected correctly this year that he volunteered his expertise. As a proud father, I was ready to hand over the sacred slicer...but that wasn't really what the GenY'er had in mind. He sent me a link to a video presentation from the New York Times on how the chopping should be done! The five-minute video starred an ill-fated turkey and Ray Venezia, a 3rd-generation butcher from New York's Fairway Market. (link to follow).
Ray is not into showboating so he suggests cutting the bird IN THE KITCHEN AWAY FROM THE TABLE! Who would be there to ooh! and ahh!? nobody. He postulated that it was simply easier and more effective on a cutting board. No use of a fork, either; Venezia refused to let juices flow until he cut the carcass so he held it in one hand and surgically denuded the turkey with the other. Other tips included cutting the white meat across the grain instead of with the grain (my high school shop teacher would scream at that!) and beginning only after the bird had cooled for at least 20 minutes. The thoery is that hot gravy is enough heat.
Anyway, to make a long story even longer, I took the time to watch the instructional video and carved our feast away from the table following all recommendations. I was amazed: it was easy, there were huge chunks of meat instead of all the little bits suitable only for turkey salad, and the presentation (which is everything) was even better!
Sad to say that the Norman Rockwell moment has been replaced by educational videos, but that's what happens in a 20th century family...uh, make that 21st century technological family.
Want to watch the video in preparation for the Christmas goose? Here's the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/dining/21carv.html

bon apetit!