A Taste of the Past [Hardcover]

John Lane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2004

A rich collection of menu cards from historical feasts forms the basis of this journey back to an age of excess, via wartime culinary quirks and unusual gourmet delights, where kings and princes dined in style and politicians and presidents entertained one another with the fashionable food of the time. The menus themselves are delightfully decorated, and beautifully made. A dinner held in honour of General Garibaldi was graced by a paper lace meny card - the delicate filigree is still perfectly intact, unlike the warlike guest of honour. And Art Deco ladies lounge langorously in fruit dishes on the cover of a hotel menu from the early 1920s. From royal weddings to dinner at the captain's table, this fascinating collection of menus is brought to life by a commentary exploring their historical context, the people involved, and the culinary nuances of the menus themselves.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lane, the son of one of Buckingham Palace’s chefs, has been amassing a collection of menus since he was a boy. He presents dozens of the strikingly illustrated menu cards in this delightful volume, which also provides a bit of historical background, brief explanations of the guests in attendance and of the type of food served. History buffs and those interested in culinary studies will enjoy reading about the St. Patrick’s Day dinner President Eisenhower gave for President O’Kelly of Ireland in 1959, which included Roast Stuffed Long Island Duckling and French String Beans Almondine. The menu on board the Queen Mary’s maiden voyage to New York in 1936, Lane reveals, offered guests Clear Turtle Soup with Sherry and Chestnut Ice Cream Sundaes. And at the 1874 wedding celebration of Prince Alfred and the Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, well-wishers noshed on Boiled Salmon, Chicken Rissoles, Roast Venison and Spiced Fillets of Beef with Madeira Sauce. Lane’s comprehensive knowledge and copious illustrations—ranging from the menus themselves to illustrations of great hosts—make for a fascinating romp through American and British gastronomic history.
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About the Author

John Lane has been collecting menu cards since his father, a chef at Buckingham Palace, introduced him to the world of gourmet dining as a boy. Growing up surrounded by some the the greatest chefs in Europe, John's interest never abated and now he has a collection of hundreds of these delightful and valuable artefacts, John lives in Workingham, Berkshire.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles Publishers (November 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 071531842X
• ISBN-13: 978-0715318423
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,162,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Coffeetable Book, June 21, 2010

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Debbie K. Connors-doring "Avid reader" (New York) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Taste of the Past (Hardcover)

I purchased this for my husband who is a chef. The menu photos are amazing. A great piece of history if your in the business. We keep it on our coffeetable and our family and friends have enjoyed looking through it also.