Dirk’s donates free holiday feast for fifth year in a row
Judy Chantry
Staff writer
12-1-2016
MANTI — For the fifth year in a row, Dirk Correnti opened his heart and his doors to those who would like to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.
Each year Dirk and Sandra Correnti give up their Thanksgiving Day to prepare and serve the people of Manti and surrounding communities. Members of their family also pitch in to help with preparation and serving. Nobody is under any obligation to pay for their meal, but many will leave a tip for the server or a contribution to the restaurant.
“I love doing it,” Correnti said.
With over 250 people served, it was a busy day from noon until after 4 p.m.
More than a dozen volunteers were on hand to cook, serve, clean tables, wash dishes and welcome those who were invited inside of Dirk’s Farmhouse Restaurant in Manti to enjoy the holiday.
The meal included a green salad, a drink, rolls, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce. Diners could enjoy pumpkin pie to finish their meal.
Reservations were encouraged, but nobody was turned away if they had no reservation. It was a sit-down meal at a booth or in the dining room where there was live entertainment. Everything was served on regular restaurant plates including silverware and glassware. No paper plates and plastic utensils at this festive meal.
Dirk said that for the first couple of years it was a costly endeavor, but worth it. More recently there have been more volunteers and contributions from the community, which lessens the expense. Vendors have been generous in offering special pricing as well as donations from local businesses.
