Bun Boy Eats LA
BUN BOY EATS LA - Entries tagged with authentic reproduction

FINAL DINNER ON THE TITANIC

  • April 14, 2013 6:37 am

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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"

Authentic Reproduction White Star Line china, as served on the R.M.S. “Titanic”

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The 1st Class Dining tables were adorned with Pink Roses

The 1st Class Dining tables were adorned with Pink Roses

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1st Course - Cream of Barley Soup

1st Course – Cream of Barley Soup

2nd Course - Asparagus Salad with Champagne Saffron Vinaigrette

2nd Course – Asparagus Salad with Champagne Saffron Vinaigrette

3rd Course - Punch Romaine

3rd Course – Punch Romaine

4th Course - Poached Salmon with Mousseline Sauce

4th Course – Poached Salmon with Mousseline Sauce

5th Course - Chicken Lyonnaise with Potatoes Anna

5th Course – Chicken Lyonnaise with Potatoes Anna

6th Course - Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce

6th Course – Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce

7th Course - Waldorf Pudding

7th Course – Waldorf Pudding

The doomed passengers on Titanic's final voyage.

The doomed passengers on Titanic’s final voyage.

I WILL BE UPDATING THIS POST A BIT LATER TO INCLUDE ALL THE RECIPES. STAY TUNED!

TAVERN

  • May 20, 2009 5:05 am

Why do all my pictures get cut off?? I'm no good at this!

Why do all my pictures get cut off?? I'm no good at this!

OK, I’ll admit, I don’t always take the best food pics, this one’s pretty bad. I was in a hurry as not to embarrass myself and appear like a visiting tourist taking a snapshot of my fancy meal. The picture is both blurry and washed out. You’re welcome.

However…. I love this place! It passed all the tests! Food, decor, service, overall vibe. All get excellent grades.

Tavern is the new joint from Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, the chics who also opened A.O.C. and Lucques, both of which I’ve been to and loved. Had my birthday dinner at A.O.C. Apologies again for all who paid for the meal that night. It was definitely not a “cheap eat”.

Tavern also replaces the ghetto and outdated Hamburger Hamlet in Brentwood. After you eat at Tavern, you won’t even remember the old place existed. The interior is a complete refreshing 180 from the prior’s wood panelling motif.

The friend I went with made the comment, “This reminds me of an upscale nursing home” But wait! Don’t be alarmed. He just meant the patrons, not the decor. This is a beautiful pad, folks. The “nursing home” residents were definitely upscale (we are in Brentwood after all). At least in their choice of plastic surgeons and designer, ill-fitting frocks. We were definitely amoung the youngest of the crowd.

I knew what I was ordering earlier this afternoon, thanks to the wonderful world of online menus. The Devil’s chicken with leeks and mustard bread crumbs. I never order chicken in restaurants. Too dullsville. This chicken, however, was cooked to perfection. It’s juices mixing with the plentiful mustard soaked bread crumbs, creating a wonderful mustardy stuffing. I’m shocked I took half of it home, since it was so damn good.

I have to admit, unlike my Craft experience yesterday, the portions at this joint were never in question. Even our appetizer, the asparagus with polenta, fried egg (the egg was breaded, nice!) and some kind of cheese (look it up, I forget and am too tired to do it my self) was surely enough for two.

My friend, an ex-bread maker, said the bread was terrific and almost wouldn’t stop talking about it. Dude, if you’re reading this, you’re a little obsessed.

I always tend to like a restaurant with a brief but focused menu. This menu was definitely not all over the place, and it was hard to choose what to order, every item looked so tasty and not in competition with one another.

If you go, make a reservation. I was unable to get in this weekend at a decent hour, hence my going on a Tuesday night at early bird special time.

11648 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 806-6464
www.tavernla.com