Our Thanksgiving Traditions — Tamales and Pumpkin Pie
Thanksgiving Traditions at Executive Deli & Cafe
At Executive Deli & Cafe in Mission Valley, food has always been more than a meal—it’s a way of bringing people together. And nowhere is that more true than at Thanksgiving, our family’s favorite time of year.
A Morning of Gratitude
We begin Thanksgiving morning with family prayer, focusing on thankfulness to God. Each of us reads a scripture about gratitude and shares testimony of what we’re thankful for over the past year. It’s a tradition that reminds us that gratitude is the true centerpiece of the holiday.
The Feast We Build Together
Our Thanksgiving table is a labor of love, with each family member contributing their signature dish:
Tamales are a team effort in our house. My mom, Lia, and daughters join me in preparing them during Thanksgiving week, filling the kitchen with laughter and good food.
Arianna bakes the pumpkin pie and yeast rolls, filling the house with the scent of fall.
I roast the turkey, while Chris smokes a turkey or brisket for that rich, savory flavor.
Ariel brings comfort and indulgence with her creamy mac and cheese and cheesecake.
Our sons, Joseph and David, are always nearby—making sure the house is full of laughter. They bring the energy to the day, whether it’s helping with decorations, entertaining their younger cousins, taste-testing dishes, or joining in our family testimonies.
Pumpkin pie fresh from the oven, served with laughter, gratitude, and the joy of gathering together.
A House in Fall Splendor
Our home is always decorated in autumn colors, pumpkins, and leaves. We host both sides of our family, filling the house with laughter, stories, and joy. It’s a time when generations gather, and everyone feels the embrace of belonging.
Why It Matters
Thanksgiving is more than food and fellowship—it’s a chance to pause and fully remember all that God has done for us. True Thanksgiving begins not at the table, but in the spirit of gratitude we carry. For our family, it’s the highlight of the year, a reminder that blessings multiply when shared.
At Executive Deli & Cafe, we carry this same spirit into our work—serving meals that bring people together, celebrating traditions, and creating space for gratitude every day.
Celebrate the season with us—pumpkin, harvest greens, and all the flavors of fall are waiting at Executive Deli & Cafe. Join us this week and next for a taste of Thanksgiving in our Soup of the Day and Lunch Specials.
Keep Reading
Back to the Beginning
Read Part One: Chris & Natalie — Meet the Husband-and-Wife Team Behind the Counter and on the Line
Our Day-to-Day Stewardship
Read: Waste Not, Welcome More — Our Partnership with Too Good To Go
Next in the Series
Part Three: Our Four Kids — The Crew That Keeps Us Smiling (coming soon)