I have been obsessed with the Titanic since I was a kid.
I would read every book, I would watch every documentary. I knew a lot of facts and figures.
And then I forgot it all.
Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the sinking and a lot of food bloggers and restaurants decided to recreate the final meal served to the 1st class passengers before the boat sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912.
Since I don’t like to follow the crowds, I decided to wait until the 101st Anniversary to do my epic Titanic gorgefest.
I’m also posting this on April 14th before the boat sank cuz I’m an optimist. Maybe this time there will be enough lifeboats.
Like a lot of people, I’m emotionally attached to the people and events of this tragedy. I could watch underwater video of the Titanic shipwreck for hours, recreating in my mind what it was like on board before the sinking.
This is one of the most important meals I’ve ever been involved in and am proud to have some good friends help me out.
For those of you wishing to have a go at it, make sure you have help. There’s no way you can pull it off otherwise unless you want cold, stale, crappy food.
Not a worthy tribute to the 1500+ souls lost on that fateful night.
In a perfect world, it would be one person per course but you’ve got to have a lot of faith that those folks aren’t gonna eff it up, so best to take on a few yourself.
I used the book “Last Dinner on the Titanic” to guide me in my quest and provide me with authentic recipes, menus and timelines.
I also purchased Music Aboard the Titanic to play in the background while people ate. Supposedly, these are tunes straight from the White Star Line Orchestra songbook.
I also purchased some authentic reproduction china from The Titanic Store. It wasn’t cheap but I thought it would be worth buying for this once in a lifetime meal.
The company that sells the china also owns the rights to the shipwreck so you can’t get more authentic than that unless you have some cash to throw around at Titanic auctions.
Tonight, I shared my love of good food and the Titanic with some amazing friends. Several who helped cook a course or in Captain’s case, rent dishes, glassware, cutlery and chairs!
Anyone interested in taking this epic feat on, it’s worth it.
Authentic Reproduction White Star Line china, as served on the R.M.S. “Titanic”
The 1st Class Dining tables were adorned with Pink Roses
1st Course – Cream of Barley Soup
2nd Course – Asparagus Salad with Champagne Saffron Vinaigrette
3rd Course – Punch Romaine
4th Course – Poached Salmon with Mousseline Sauce
5th Course – Chicken Lyonnaise with Potatoes Anna
6th Course – Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce
7th Course – Waldorf Pudding
The doomed passengers on Titanic’s final voyage.
I WILL BE UPDATING THIS POST A BIT LATER TO INCLUDE ALL THE RECIPES. STAY TUNED!
This looks so wonderful! I wish I could have been there! The table looks gorgeous, and the food DIVINE. XXX
WOW! What a cool adventure. I have seen several people talk about it, and some attempt it – but none as authentic as you. I so wish I had been able to attend!! You should do it again, you could probably charge admission (not joking – think Sail on the Titanic with Bunboy!) I have been fascinated by the Titanic most of my life as well and have read so many differing accounts as to the composition of the various recipes, i.e. Punch Romaine and what exactly was Waldorf Pudding… I will have to get this book and check it out. Anyway, what an amazing blog post! Thank you for sharing.
Wow it turned out so amazing! I bet you all will be talking about that dinner for a long time. Can’t wait to enjoy the 102nd Titanic anniversary dinner you’re going to cook for your friends back home!
I second what Susie homemaker said!!!! beautiful presentation and attention to detail. Its great that you were acknowledged by the owner of the titanic wreckage also
Thanks! Next time I’ll make what they ate in 3rd Class, hopefully won’t be as stressful to prepare!
BunBoy, The 3rd class dinner may not be a bad idea… Seriously. That would be sort of interesting…
This is so awesome! I just visited The Titanic Exibit in Grand Rapids today and loved it. I also purchased some of the same china in your exact pattern. Thanks for sharing!