Thanksgiving 2011 in New Orleans fell on a beautiful fall day, and we were invited to spend it with friends in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans. Like most of the city, the Eyers' house flooded after Katrina, and they are slowly but surely renovating. This year marked the first Thanksgiving they were able to seat the entire crowd rather than "making do" with a buffet—a special occasion. Everyone contributed something, and it was a gathering of great cooks. No one went home hungry.