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Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes From the Great Liner
A cookbook designed to recreate the atmosphere of dining on the famous, doomed luxury liner serves up such recipes as Lobster Thermidor, Quail's Eggs in Aspic with Caviar, and Poached Salmon with Dilled Mousseline Sauce and Cucumber.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 13, 2016
I was going to write that this book is where history and food collide - and then I realized that was probably in poor taste. Nevertheless, this was a very interesting read that combined recipes from the Titanic's kitchens along with photos and descriptions of the dining facilities and life aboard ship for all three classes. I've read a lot of books on the Titanic and I was pleased to see photos that I've never run across before.
The book could be used as a cookbook and the author also suggests its use in planning a Titanic dinner party. I would certainly love to attend something like that, but at ten courses, there's no way I'm making it all in my kitchen! I think I could survive on one first class dinner for a week - those Edwardians did know how to eat!
The book could be used as a cookbook and the author also suggests its use in planning a Titanic dinner party. I would certainly love to attend something like that, but at ten courses, there's no way I'm making it all in my kitchen! I think I could survive on one first class dinner for a week - those Edwardians did know how to eat!
November 20, 2012
History! And food!
This is a quick read with some historical accounts, both firsthand and second, peppered throughout. I already knew the historical facts (she said smugly) but I did enjoy the narrative way in which they were presented here. Also: pretty pictures!
As for the actual recipes, I haven't cooked any of them yet and I will certainly never be making an authentic eleven-course Titanic-themed meal for my friends and family, as the book suggests. Make your own damn Tournedos aux morilles and Homard Thermidor, buddy! However, there were a few smaller things in there that I would love to try, like the Punch Romaine--booze sorbet, yum!--and which I will probably make after Christmas, when my line of work goes back to its usual lull and the thought of shopping anywhere no longer makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon.
Three stars for being interesting and a nice collectible, but docked a fourth because when you say you've "adapted the Edwardian recipes for the modern kitchen," I don't expect to have to go hunt down rose water and quail eggs to make the stuff. (Apparently quail eggs are easy to obtain? Can anyone confirm this?)
This is a quick read with some historical accounts, both firsthand and second, peppered throughout. I already knew the historical facts (she said smugly) but I did enjoy the narrative way in which they were presented here. Also: pretty pictures!
As for the actual recipes, I haven't cooked any of them yet and I will certainly never be making an authentic eleven-course Titanic-themed meal for my friends and family, as the book suggests. Make your own damn Tournedos aux morilles and Homard Thermidor, buddy! However, there were a few smaller things in there that I would love to try, like the Punch Romaine--booze sorbet, yum!--and which I will probably make after Christmas, when my line of work goes back to its usual lull and the thought of shopping anywhere no longer makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon.
Three stars for being interesting and a nice collectible, but docked a fourth because when you say you've "adapted the Edwardian recipes for the modern kitchen," I don't expect to have to go hunt down rose water and quail eggs to make the stuff. (Apparently quail eggs are easy to obtain? Can anyone confirm this?)
March 20, 2016
Enjoyed reading the kinds of fare served aboard the Titanic, from the elegant courses served to first-class to what was served to it's 3rd-class passengers. There are also recipes included and photos of the dining rooms aboard the ship.
November 25, 2011
Comes with a brief synopsis of the "unsinkable" ocean liner, dining and reception areas for the classes and menus for each one. While the Edwardian food of the day listed was "it" in its day, it is way to rich for 21st palates. If you look at the recipes included, most are manageable and can be reasonably done. The end gives a bio and first-hand accounts from survivors on board. Nice photos of relics and drawings and photos of the Titanic or its sister ship the Olympia. This book is easy guide to host your own Titanic dinner party.
April 22, 2015
An interesting for fans of the Titanic or people who enjoy the history of food. We wouldn't be able to eat these eleven-course dinners!
I found particularly interesting the photographs and explanations on who were the food crew and how it worked on the Titanic, as well as a description of the various places to eat on board.
The author also provides recipes based on actual menus, and also tips on how to organise and cook your own Titanic party.
It is an enjoyable read, but I wish it had gone more in depth into life on board and work for the crew members as I found it focused more on the experience of the passengers.
I found particularly interesting the photographs and explanations on who were the food crew and how it worked on the Titanic, as well as a description of the various places to eat on board.
The author also provides recipes based on actual menus, and also tips on how to organise and cook your own Titanic party.
It is an enjoyable read, but I wish it had gone more in depth into life on board and work for the crew members as I found it focused more on the experience of the passengers.
March 15, 2010
I know, I know - sounds a little warped but this is a very good book and it's done with sensitivity and taste (no pun intended). Originally, I purchased this book to prepare myself and husband for a fundraiser Titanic dinner given by our local museum (it was very successful). We met the author, Rick Archbold along with Don Lynch, an author/historian of another wonderful Titanic book. Archbold certainly did his research for this book - very well done and informative, with lots of history, photos, illustrations, and of course menus.
May 1, 2022
Complete with full menus and dozens of authentic recipes, so that you can pick and choose which delectable dishes you wish to create. An amazing Titanic cookbook! I'm already entertaining ideas on which dishes I'm wanting to try my hand at.
Beautiful illustrations all throughout the book. Just exquisite. Every page either has resplendent illustrations or photos that make each chapter all the more interesting.
I would definitely recommend this book to any Titanic buff or history lover. This has has stuff that no other book would have.
Beautiful illustrations all throughout the book. Just exquisite. Every page either has resplendent illustrations or photos that make each chapter all the more interesting.
I would definitely recommend this book to any Titanic buff or history lover. This has has stuff that no other book would have.
May 30, 2023
A marvelous niche history book.
It discusses the dining fascilities on the Titanic, and gives an educated guess what was served on the fateful night, recipes included.
Given that almost no menu material survived, the authors base their guesses on loading manifests, eyewitness accounts, customs at the time and menus from the Olympia, and note how they came to their conclusion.
This all without presenting a boring text.
Lots of additional info, from table decorations to fashion to music, as well as short bios on some interesting possible table companions, does make it a complete guide on throwing the perfect Titanic party.
It discusses the dining fascilities on the Titanic, and gives an educated guess what was served on the fateful night, recipes included.
Given that almost no menu material survived, the authors base their guesses on loading manifests, eyewitness accounts, customs at the time and menus from the Olympia, and note how they came to their conclusion.
This all without presenting a boring text.
Lots of additional info, from table decorations to fashion to music, as well as short bios on some interesting possible table companions, does make it a complete guide on throwing the perfect Titanic party.
February 15, 2015
This book was full of recipes from the menus created for the Titanic's only voyage. I appreciated the historical aspects of the recipes--few of which are easy for today's cooks to prepare. With that in mind, this book offers tips to create your own Titanic-style dinner party--such as enlisting the help of friends to recreate the 11-course menu served in first class. For someone who is a hard-core Titanic enthusiast, it could work. However, for the average person, many of these ideas are unreasonable.
January 15, 2010
Dear friends, I am taking volunteers to help me coordinate the First Annual Sinking of the Titanic Anniversary Dinner Party here in North Liberty, Iowa. You are all invited, but wait until I get your invitations sent with accompanying role-play characters assigned. We will drink aperitifs, consume Lobster Thermadore and Orange de Suprise, and then, most likely, drown after a game of cards in the smoking room.
May 19, 2012
Even if you never make anything from this cookbook, you'll enjoy it. The author includes a good amount of historical background, and it's fascinating to read what (and how) the passengers ate. If you do decide to cook, the book has you covered with make-ahead schedules (you'll need them for the 11-course first-class meal) and clear, thorough recipes.
June 18, 2016
Very clever book!! Lots of great pictures and info about the kitchens and dining rooms. Includes menus for each class of dining including recipes. Now I need to have a Titanic dinner with some friends!
September 6, 2023
Fascinating, quick read. Learned a lot, realized I will probably not make any of the first class fare (maybe some of the second or third, seems halfway edible and affordable). Disappointed there wasn’t more about the “Lower” classes and staff, as their experiences are more interesting to me, but I suppose that’s not what the authors wanted to research. All about the Edwardian Glitz and Glamor, baby! Lots of fawning over rich people, and a lot of the characters added for ~spice~ weren’t the most interesting survivors.
The Titanic party they suggest sounds absolutely wild and morbid, but not necessarily in a fun way I’d enjoy. I cannot imagine making my friends follow Edwardian etiquette, wear “hourglass dresses,” and “retire” for separate women and men’s discussions. Also I love the assumption readers HAVE multiple rooms (pick your second nicest room for this, etc) for their guests to play Titanic in. I guess only wealthy, non-apartment-dwellers can truly live it up like the First Class! The list of multiple day food prep for even the SHORTER meal is truly bonkers. I was amazed this came out in the 1990s.
Anyways, it WAS fun to learn about the ludicrous number of oysters and wine glasses and meat courses, but I left feeling way more Eat the Rich than Eat like the Rich. Plover’s eggs and sturgeon “spinal marrow” sound like an evil cartoon character’s preferred delicacies.
Was definitely inspired to read this by Max Miller, who tells these stories much more engagingly and seems to do better research into period-accurate recipes. This book is very readable and does make me want to research the topic further, so…3 stars!
The Titanic party they suggest sounds absolutely wild and morbid, but not necessarily in a fun way I’d enjoy. I cannot imagine making my friends follow Edwardian etiquette, wear “hourglass dresses,” and “retire” for separate women and men’s discussions. Also I love the assumption readers HAVE multiple rooms (pick your second nicest room for this, etc) for their guests to play Titanic in. I guess only wealthy, non-apartment-dwellers can truly live it up like the First Class! The list of multiple day food prep for even the SHORTER meal is truly bonkers. I was amazed this came out in the 1990s.
Anyways, it WAS fun to learn about the ludicrous number of oysters and wine glasses and meat courses, but I left feeling way more Eat the Rich than Eat like the Rich. Plover’s eggs and sturgeon “spinal marrow” sound like an evil cartoon character’s preferred delicacies.
Was definitely inspired to read this by Max Miller, who tells these stories much more engagingly and seems to do better research into period-accurate recipes. This book is very readable and does make me want to research the topic further, so…3 stars!
June 19, 2020
This book was invaluable to me when I planned a Titanic Dinner on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship in 2012. There are recipes and menus from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class dining rooms and I chose to serve food from each for my (small) gathering. The book is very interesting and includes a history of the doomed liner along with touching details of the fateful journey. The menu selections are very interesting, too...I did "modernize" a few of the dishes. My guests actually preferred the menu choices from the 3rd class, or steerage dining room. In any case, if you are interested in the Titanic tragedy, this book is very, very good and it's quite an emotional read.
May 11, 2022
For such a niche topic, this is really well-done. Hubby thought the book would be too morbid, but even he found various factoids interesting that I shared as I read. This is a beautifully designed book and contains plenty of history, lots of illustrations including photographs, paintings, and Titanic ephemera, and ample recipes. The recipes have been updated to be prepared in a modern kitchen with a few modifications to accommodate easier-to-procure ingredients. Some of the recipes I found very appealing (Lobster Thermidor with Duchess Potatoes, Orange Surprise), others not so much (Quail Eggs in Aspic).
August 18, 2017
Perhaps the best book to read for planning a Titanic Dinner
I bought this book a few years ago when planning my epic Titanic Dinner Party. It not only helped, but was a pleasure simply to read. It has more than just the meals; it has history and insights. Further, it is a picture book as well. Sometimes, I use it just to gaze at the pictures.
I am planning another epic Titanic Dinner and stole several pic from the book for my 11-page invitations (as to try to entice people to come). I will read through it one last time before setting the table and shopping.
I bought this book a few years ago when planning my epic Titanic Dinner Party. It not only helped, but was a pleasure simply to read. It has more than just the meals; it has history and insights. Further, it is a picture book as well. Sometimes, I use it just to gaze at the pictures.
I am planning another epic Titanic Dinner and stole several pic from the book for my 11-page invitations (as to try to entice people to come). I will read through it one last time before setting the table and shopping.
July 6, 2021
Quick luscious read with recipes and photos of the opulent White Star liner before she sank. Details of the size of the crew, the kitchens, kitchen staff, and stores of food on the ship. Surviving menus, along with Escoffier-inspired 9-course menus are provided. The book ends with a party planner for hosting your own Last Dinner on The Titanic complete with role playing of interesting characters who sailed on the ill-fated voyage.
Fun fact: The Titanic stocked 75 different types of champagne.
Fun fact: The Titanic stocked 75 different types of champagne.
March 11, 2019
As someone who is fascinated by history and food, I found this book to be a treasure. It contains not only menus of what passengers aboard the doomed liner ate, but recipes on how to recreate these dishes (good luck with the eleven-course first class spread!). Also included are gorgeous illustrations... definitely recommended for anyone interested in culinary history and Titanic.
October 21, 2017
I like history, I like food, and I read cookbooks for fun, so I enjoyed this more than most people probably would. Side note: did y'all know that there are people who have Titanic Reenactment Dinner Parties? Cuz I sure didn't.
June 30, 2019
The recipes are not for the inexperienced cook...
But the pictures and descriptions are wonderful. The few dishes I've tried are delicious. This book is a must for any person interested in the Titanic (or the Olympic, but that is a different tale).
But the pictures and descriptions are wonderful. The few dishes I've tried are delicious. This book is a must for any person interested in the Titanic (or the Olympic, but that is a different tale).
October 10, 2020
Interesting history of the preparation and presentation of cusine, place settings, entertainment, passengers and staff on board that day on the Titanic and a bit about the actual event and occurences onboard after hitting the iceberg. Most of the recipes, basically a cookbook with history.
November 9, 2017
Reading about this - the Titanic - never gets old....
February 19, 2018
interesting. That is food I would never eat though.
January 13, 2019
Beautifully presented, some recipes looked more do-able than others.
September 25, 2019
Excellent book. I had no idea that aspic was so heavily used in 1912. Also has the very best recipe for Potage St. Germain!
August 20, 2020
There were actually a couple of recipes in here that I would make!! Not a ton, but a few!
July 9, 2022
Most of these recipes are very grand, but there are a few I want to try. The Cream of Barley soup might be nice this winter.
July 24, 2022
Great coffee table read . Highly intriguing
Fancy food and fancy history.
Fancy food and fancy history.
July 25, 2022
A great mix of background information, how to host a classy titanic party and recipes!
September 16, 2022
Very interesting recipe book of some of the sumptuous meals served on the Titanic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews