I don’t know why the Woman’s Press Club held a breakfast in honor of Valentine’s Day. Newspaper accounts seem to indicate it was an annual event around the turn of the century.
But here’s the menu, from the new, posh Hotel Astor in Times Square, and it’s quite extensive. Roast squab on toast, beef mignon, ice cream, and something called a Valentine’s salad—which I believe involves beets.
This menu comes from the New York Public Library’s fantastic Buttolph Menu Collection, a treasure trove of menus from 1851 to 1930.
Tags: Hotel Astor, how New York celebrates Valentine's Day, New York at the turn of the century, Valentine salad, Valentine's Day 1906, Valentine's Day menu, Woman's Press Club New York
February 13, 2012 at 2:37 pm |
I wonder what “Fancy Ice Cream” is?
February 13, 2012 at 3:12 pm |
I know! But I appreciate that they are serving it at breakfast.
February 13, 2012 at 3:18 pm |
yes, amongst so many other rich courses. how did people keep their weight in check back then?!
February 13, 2012 at 9:04 pm
From a tidbit learned from a tour of the Newport Mansions, courses would be brought out and cleared quickly and they would barely have time to take a few bites of each. It was more for the show…plus overeating is no fun in an 18 inch corset…
February 13, 2012 at 10:06 pm
no fun!
February 13, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Ever seen a picture of President Taft?
February 13, 2012 at 3:53 pm |
Vesta lunch counter presents
Cheap’n'cheerful lover’s lunch
Half a grapefruit
chicken stock in a cup
veggie platter
lobster pie
steak, potatoes and peas
pigeon sandwich
Ice cream with a cherry on top
candy
black coffee
$1 obo
February 16, 2012 at 12:59 am |
This menu is for breakfast?