This was such an interesting read! The way you uncover and break down these historical menus makes them feel alive again.
I never would have noticed the little details in the illustrations, but now I can’t unsee them. It’s cool how artists used to create menus like this—makes me wonder how many more hidden gems are out there.
Looking forward to your future article on Le Rat Mort!
Another great publication by an inspired researcher. Merci, Jenn for these small treasures.
I don't presume to know all the references in the Toulouse Lautrec menu you shared but I smiled when I saw "Ti Noir" listed before dessert.
"Un p'tit Noir" used to be a way of ordering a shot of espresso in French slang. Needless to say, the expression is not PC enough for our times and was dropped a while back. ;-)
Here's additional information I found on the menu, including an explanation of one of the "dishes" listed : "la Sarigue en Liberty." There's no doubt that bawdy, party-loving group enjoyed great times together during the Belle-Epoque!
Hemingway said it best: "Paris est une fête." (Paris is a moveable feast)
Love this! I had no idea there was an actual archive. I should probably check if there are any in Albi, at the museum Toulouse Lautrec. I love collecting old handwritten French recipes but I definitely stumbled on some menus too at brocantes…
I love this, I used to collect these old handwritten French menus! Some are so elegant, and some are wonderfully clever and funny - but they're all beautiful.
Hi jodi! I bet you have a lovely collection. I did notice in doing my research that a number of menus (from Toulouse-Lautrec) have gone up for auction - it would be so cool to own one.
This was such an interesting read! The way you uncover and break down these historical menus makes them feel alive again.
I never would have noticed the little details in the illustrations, but now I can’t unsee them. It’s cool how artists used to create menus like this—makes me wonder how many more hidden gems are out there.
Looking forward to your future article on Le Rat Mort!
Loved these! Thanks for digging them up!
Good one Jenn, and Happy New Year. Keep writing...
Thanks Danny- Happy New Year!
Another great publication by an inspired researcher. Merci, Jenn for these small treasures.
I don't presume to know all the references in the Toulouse Lautrec menu you shared but I smiled when I saw "Ti Noir" listed before dessert.
"Un p'tit Noir" used to be a way of ordering a shot of espresso in French slang. Needless to say, the expression is not PC enough for our times and was dropped a while back. ;-)
Here's additional information I found on the menu, including an explanation of one of the "dishes" listed : "la Sarigue en Liberty." There's no doubt that bawdy, party-loving group enjoyed great times together during the Belle-Epoque!
Hemingway said it best: "Paris est une fête." (Paris is a moveable feast)
http://autourduperetanguy.blogspirit.com/tag/TOULOUSE-LAUTREC
Love this! I had no idea there was an actual archive. I should probably check if there are any in Albi, at the museum Toulouse Lautrec. I love collecting old handwritten French recipes but I definitely stumbled on some menus too at brocantes…
Thanks Valentina! I would love to spend a day at the brocantes looking for a menu. That could be a fun activity!
I loved this, and of course also loved reading the menu items. When I thought there could be no more protein, there was another meat dish!
Ha ha of course! 🥩
I love this, I used to collect these old handwritten French menus! Some are so elegant, and some are wonderfully clever and funny - but they're all beautiful.
Hi jodi! I bet you have a lovely collection. I did notice in doing my research that a number of menus (from Toulouse-Lautrec) have gone up for auction - it would be so cool to own one.
I think Vive Coleo means Long Live Beetles. But why celebrate beetles…? Lovely to see all these menus.
Ahhh yes! A Beetle Appreciation society! It didn’t occur to me to look up the word ‘coleo’ so thanks for this. 👍
Laughing here, Beetle Appreciation Society the perfect translation.