Kevin Lee Jacobs

Gardening, Recipes & Home Décor Tips

Historic Menus/A Giveaway

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | 213 Comments

Last updated on September 10th, 2012

WHEN I RECENTLY DISCOVERED the vintage menus for sale at Cool Culinaria, I realized I’d have to purchase one, frame it appropriately, and then display it in my dining room. I settled on the menu above —  Thanksgiving Dinner  at the Windsor Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota,  1883.  Of course, I purchased a menu for one of you, too. And there are nearly 50 menus for you to choose from. Who’d like a chance to win one of these unique historical documents in a random drawing?

Cool Culinaria is the brain-child of Charles Baum and Barbara McMahon. Charles is an artist, a photographer, and a former restaurateur. He is passionate about all things beverage- and culinary-related, just as I am. Barbara is a “menu maniac” who has been unearthing historical menus that date back to the 19th century.

Here are just some of the menus that Charles and Barbara have collected and digitally reproduced as fine,  13- x 19-inch prints on 130lb paper. Each print is accompanied by an equally-fine, 11- x 17-inch copy of the interior menu. Descriptions below are quoted  from Cool Culinaria’s website:

The Oyster Loaf – San Francisco, 1940s. The oyster loaf — a thick chunk of crusty bread hollowed out and stuffed with fried oysters — is an important part of San Francisco’s dining history. The story goes that in the early years of the city’s history, judges, senators and aristocrats would drink cocktails and then buy an oyster loaf as a peace offering before heading to Nob Hill and home. This menu cover was created by the celebrated illustrator, author and art instructor Andrew Loomis, and shows a voluptious, brunette mermaid riding a lobster side-saddle.

Pullman Buffet Menu & Wine List – 1900s. This beautiful menu cover harks back to the days of luxury train travel across the United States. After spending an uncomfortable night sleeping upright during a train journey, George Pullman was convinced passengers would pay for better amenities and he established his company in Chicago in 1867. Passengers could rest in sleeping cars and eat in dining cars decorated with chandeliers and leather seating as trains sped from city to city. Freshly prepared meals were served by uniformed waiters. (Kevin’s note:  Are you listening, Amtrak?)

The Brown Derby, Hollywood 1948.  The Brown Derby, located at 1648 North Vine Street, was the second Brown Derby to open but quickly became the most famous and THE place to see and be seen due to its proximity to the major film studios. It opened on Valentine’s Day in 1929. The restaurant was the preferred hang-out for gossip columnists (they and the movie executives loved the innovation of table-side phones).  (Kevin’s note: Anyone remember the famous scene from “I Love Lucy” where star-struck Lucy Ricardo encountered William Holden at The Brown Derby?)

Now, you don’t have to choose one of the menus pictured above. Stop by Cool Culinaria’s website, and select a menu from their fine prints category. I can tell you that each menu is a work of art, as well as a glimpse into the eating habits of people during the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. (Above, Waddle’s Drive-In, Portland, Oregon 1949.)

For a chance to win one of Cool Culinaria’s extremely cool menus (un-framed),  do these 2 simple things:

1. Subscribe (if you haven’t already) to my weekly email newsletter.

2. Leave a comment, saying anything you’d like. Feeling shy?  Tell me how often you dine out.

Not required, but appreciated: Click the Facebook “like” button below.

Enter soon! This random drawing expires on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at 11:59PM EST.  As always, I’ll use the nifty number gadget at Random (dot) org to select a winner. The winner will be notified by email.

Oh – just to be clear, the winner will be able to choose ANY menu from Cool Culinaria’s fine prints. You can see all of the menus here.


Don’t miss anything at A Garden for the House…sign up for Kevin’s weekly newsletter.

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Homemade Mozzarella in 30 Minutes

Comments

  2. 2

    Robin says

    Dude! These are awesome! I just came across some vintage woodblock prints of old recipes. They’ll be going up on the wall in my kitchen soon. A framed menu would be wonderful right along side them.

  5. 5

    Brenda Johnson says

    Love the Brown Derby one…. My son did his college externship at the “remake” located in Disney World….one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten!!!!! Hope all is well!!!! Haven’t seen you in a while!!!!! Miss ya!

  6. 6

    Sarah says

    Amazing timing! I just received my fall program guide for The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and they are going to have an exhibition on historic menus this fall, opens October 30th in NYC. What a fascinating historical resource!

  7. 7

    Marcia Hicks says

    What an amazing find! I love the one you chose for your dining room. Interesting that they called the main dishes “removes”, echoes to a bygone era.

  10. 10

    Nellie O'Brien says

    I have been collecting menus for years during my travels, finding them to be wonderful, easy to pack souvenirs. I framed them and put them up in my kitchen where they were much admired until I moved to a new house. They are buried somewhere in boxes. This inspires me to dig them out! Love these classic ones. Hope I win the drawing – it would be great to add to my collection!

  11. 11

    Sandy Shoup says

    Love your site. Love the recipes, the ideas…love all of it! Would be so happy if I could win a menu to add to my antique collection. Thanks. Sandy

  12. 12

    Angela Hursh says

    WOW I love these! My hobby is researching and recreating vintage recipes. What a cool idea to use a vintage menu for a holiday feast! If I won a menu, I’d frame it and hang it in my kitchen with pride-and look up all the recipes to try and recreate the food. Great giveaway! Angela

  13. 13

    Karen says

    I really like them…. I dine out about once a month or so… No much by today’s standards, I know…

  15. 15

    Jon says

    Ooh these are really nice! I’ve always loved the idea of framing old fruit crate labels. But it never occurred to me that antique menus would be so decorative.

    Now I’m going to add yet another thing to my decorating wishlist.
    Thanks, Kevin! Every few days you give me another enriching idea or recipe or hint.

  17. 17

    Christina says

    These menus would look great in my kitchen! We don’t eat out much anymore, but when we do it’s at a great local place that uses local produce and makes the best food.

  19. 19

    Ginger Blymyer says

    What a lovely website. I don’t quite understand where or how to get the menu’s. I love the old fashioned one’s like Cafe de Paris, but they are all great. This looks like a wonderful page. Thanks for offering it to us. Ginger

  21. 21

    Earen says

    This is so cool! I wish they had one for St. Louis (my new hometown which now has many fine restaurants and chefs today.) Cheers to you and your generosity in your giveaways.

  22. 22

    Donna Clary says

    Beautiful, am a sucker for the vintage. Great opportunity for us to be included in celebrating this history.

  25. 25

    lora kling says

    I collect cookbooks, and I especially love early American cookbooks and old, regional small-town recipe collections compiled to raise funds for local churches and other charitable groups. These old menus are wonderful! It would be so fun to have one from a long ago restaurant in New England where I grew up; maybe Boston’s Union Oyster House from the 1800’s?! This is a wonderful idea, Kevin! I so much enjoy your site.

  29. 29

    Sharon Curley says

    I would be loving one of these especially the one from Portland Oregon since I live there. lol
    I love your site and all your down to earth dishes and your garden. Thank you for sharing your world with us.

  34. 34

    Diane Kratz says

    Great idea to frame them. I would have picked the Thanksgiving one as well, since I was born on Thanksgiving. Not in 1883, however, lol.

  35. 35

    Jo Pernice says

    Oh I so love those menus! But not as much as your newsletter that I so look forward to.My favorite recipe is your Tomato Pie! Did I mention…..pick me!!

  37. 37

    Nancy Jane says

    Old menus are interesting indeed. the Pullman one is interesting as I just read a book about Pullman and my father in law used to work for them. Designing special cars for shipments.

  38. 38

    Donna B. says

    The Mucha-inspired cover for the Pullman buffet is just GORGEOUS. I’m now perusing their site looking for something for myself… hee hee!
    It’s funny that you post this, because maybe a week ago I was telling someone about a local BBQ place [called “Hot Rods BBQ”] that I goto actually has it’s menu for sale! The cover is illustrated by a hot rod ethusiast & comic book illustrator. He was also a former instructor of mine when I attended J. Kubert’s comic book & graphic arts school! 😀

  39. 39

    Barbara says

    “Women served at tables only.”

    That’s a thought provoking notation, is it not? Particularly in light of what’s happening in our current political landscape.

    But this is not the place for politics, i know, so i shall keep my ruminations to my little old feminine self!

    🙂

  45. 45

    Angela says

    Kevin-

    You’ve pulled my heartstrings on two of my favorite things, culinary arts and turn of the century memorabilia!

  46. 46

    Margaret Rose says

    They are all amazing but I think the Oyster Loaf is my favorite! I am a sucker for anything vintage.

  48. 48

    Debbie says

    Kevin:

    Such a beautiful collection of art pieces! Love your site and love receiving your newsletter every Sunday. Keep up the great work!

    Survival > Existence,

    Debbie

  49. 49

    Kelly says

    I never realized that menus could be such works of art. Beautiful, just beautiful. If I win it will be hard to choose just one. thx for the opportunity.

  50. 50

    Katreader says

    I love old cookbooks-and now you have me loving old menus. How cool! Of course I remember Lucy meeting William Holden at the Brown Derby-a classic, just like the restaurant!

  53. 53

    Eileen says

    Wow! Would love one of these beauties. My daughter in law would adore it for Christmas, i’m sure. I need to remind her to follow you, too! Thanks for the opportunity and have a great day

  58. 58

    Nancy Elson says

    I look forward to Sundays when your weekly email shows up in my inbox! Your gardening ideas/hints/advice is bar none my go-to for all ‘OMG what’s happening to my garden’ issues. And one of these days, I’m gonna get back in the kitchen and try a few of your recipes.

  59. 59

    Eric says

    this looks very handsome and I would love to have one on my dining room wall. You keep finding such different and interesting things to show us! Eric

  61. 61

    Lea McCormick says

    These are gorgeous & unique. We bought our home 19 months ago & I’ve yet to start decorating, due to no real inspiration. I’m now inspired by these beauties! Thank you!!

  66. 66

    C Miller says

    I like the kitchen plantation one, I think it is the colors.
    I have 6 menus from 1948 from the Royal Hawaiian . Quite an impressive menu of available food for $5.50 plus tax. Every thing on the menu’s is also healthy !
    These menus were left in a home my husband had purchased about 40 years ago prior to our marriage, He said he had kept them because he thought they were cool. I had never thought to frame and use them to decorate, but I still have them tucked away.

  67. 67

    Anna Lapping says

    They are all beautiful. Also, I just added your blog to my Pinterest board, Favorite blogs:)

  68. 68

    Lyn Kenny says

    Hi. Those vintage menus are beautiful – what a revelation!
    Must also compliment you on the tomato pie recipe, which is delicious – thanks!

  69. 69

    Nancy Borkman says

    When visiting the Maritime Museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I took pictures of the menus that survived the Titanic and found them to be fascinating. There was such a difference between the first, second and third class tables.

  70. 70

    Dale says

    I love your newsletter and my family loves all the great ideas from the garden. Keep them coming!! A menu for the kitchen would be the icing on the cake.

  71. 71

    Lynne says

    My parents ran small neighborhood restaurants in which my brother sister and I helped out. One of the tasks, back in the day, was to type the daily menus. This was before copiers, so we worked with carbon paper – who remembers carbon paper?? Having one of these printed menus in my kitchen or dining room would be a reminder of the clack clack clack of the old typewriter, my father at the steam table, and me sorting the silverwear.

  72. 72

    Mike Hylton (Sarge) says

    I love the ‘Oyster Loaf’! It is actually quite good…almost like my ‘Oyster Dressing’!!!

  73. 73

    lynn says

    Hello!
    My husband and I are working to restore an old hotel in northern Minnesota with the building’s owner, who lives in Callifornia!
    It was built in 1913 and did have both a buffet/family dining area as well as a very formal dining area.
    In some of the demolition work my husband found 2 different menus and a cookbook that had been used here!
    The first completed project in the building is located in what was the formal dining area. It is now being used as an ‘event’ room for people to rent for private parties/get togethers.
    It has been a BLAST so far, and we are eagerly moving forward on this project.
    Since we are from Minnesota I think it’s very cool that you selected the St Paul menu for your home!!
    One of these old menus would look fantastic on display in this building next to the originals from here!! So fingers crossed I get drawn!!

  77. 77

    Norma says

    I collect “vintage” recipe books – the kind that churches and other organizations put together to raise funds. They are sooooo much fun and some of the recipes are just scary! A vintage menu collection would be a nice addition, don’t you think? Thanks for your blog Kevin, I so enjoy it.

  78. 78

    Linda Cooke says

    These menus are so attractive it makes me wonder how many replacement copies they had to print over the years, as diners whisked them away under their coats for souvenirs!

  79. 79

    karenrf says

    Discovered your website a few weeks ago and I get to live vicariously through you. I would love to live in a home like yours.

  81. 81

    Mary Ellen says

    Kevin, I think you are wise beyond your years. I follow your posts eagerly, especially your garden advice, and it works! Your recipies are for hedonists (like me) and foodies (like me) and I hope to meet you in person some day, and visit your garden. Thank you.

  82. 82

    Peg says

    Sure are better than the plastic coated ones you have now a day ! I love seeing history preserved like these. makes you dream of gentler times when eating out was a huge treat and there weren’t fast foods.

  83. 83

    cathy says

    Love the gardening ,food, and how you have restored the house. These old menus are great. I like looking at what was offered to eat. My how times have changed!
    I enjoy your newsletter. I am a gardener.

  84. 84

    Lynnie says

    We go out once or twice a week………….my husband was a chef & he loves to see vintage menus.
    Kevin love your newsletter. Look forward to seeing it on Sunday mornings 🙂
    We are looking in TN for our antique farm house to turn into a B&B I would love to have one of these in our dinning room. How perfect!

    Lynnie

  86. 86

    Deb Yarbrough says

    I love your website and try a lot of your recipes. Winning one of the Vintage Menus would make my day!

  88. 88

    Judy says

    My friends, Stephen and Daniel, who own Bella Luna Inn in Healdsburg, CA would love one of these menus!

  89. 89

    Robert Bliss says

    I didn’t grow up in America, like the rest of the world of my time, I grew up with those fabulous old movies which featured places like the Derby. One of these menu’s would be just a beautiful addition to my home and a brilliant reminder of happier and simpler times.

  90. 90

    tea4too0 says

    Thank you for the chance to win one of these beautiful menus. I have several vintage cookbooks and the menu would be like easy penuche icing on the cake.
    T

  92. 92

    Skye says

    What a fabulous idea, I just love this. (And I must say, The Breakfast Autocrat completely stole my heart!) If I win I have the perfect spot in my breakfast nook for it.
    I only eat out about twice a month now; I am enjoying cooking & preserving at home now.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  93. 93

    lisa shimada says

    I love Vintage. Your dining room looks wonderful. You should turn your house into a B& B.

    I made 4 of your tomato pies with homegrown tomatoes this month. (Hubby and son didn’t really appreciate them, so I think I ate most of them).

  94. 94

    Kimmer says

    I just love Apple Crisp, and I’m gonna make this one for sure..,I already ‘like’ you on FB, get your newsletter. I love your recipes, garden advice, and decorating ideas.

  95. 95

    Arlene Bice says

    Cooks and eating out are tradition in my family. My grandmother cooked in a TB sanatorium in the 1930s and recommended my father as a cook in an insane asylum (as they were called in those days) during those same depression years. My mother cooked in a commercial kitchen before cooking in a school cafeteria. Both my older brothers owned bistros; one called Banana Jack’s in Sint Maarten (Carribbean) and the other Oliver, a Bistro in Bordentown NJ. My first serious job in high school was in a luncheonette. I still collect menus. Not sure why, but I do.

  96. 96

    Clarice says

    I love your newsletter. The gardening tips are so practical and I love the play-by-play photos.

    The vintage menus and posters are so neat! i’d love to win one.

  97. 97

    Patricia Yerian says

    Moved last year and decorated my dining room in a deep eggplant/burgundy color with white wainscoting. I have a “thing” about Paris and the Paris menu would be absolutely perfect for one particular spot there.

    I love your newsletter and get so many great ideas from it. Thanks so much.

  99. 99

    Dody says

    Love your column and would love to win one of the menus. Your recipes look so good that I hope to try some of them myself. Dody

  100. 100

    Wilma Tyler Dibelka says

    Have become a fan of “A Garden for the House”. Thank you. So many interesting ideas.
    Husband and I are both in our 80s living the homestead life … i.e. gardening, preserving, making our own power, etc. … so we eat out very seldom. Also, not too many fine dining places out here in the rural mountains. And “AMEN” to the Amtrak hint !!!

  101. 101

    Linda says

    I love your newsletter and seeing your lovely home and gardens. My dining room is calling for one of these menus. Pick Me, Pick Me! Thanks Kevin

  103. 103

    Jackie says

    As a descendant of voyageurs who carried the food products in their canoe’s to St. Paul in the late 1800’s, I would be thrilled to own the menu with the French menu. Please enter me in the contest for Cafe de Paris.

    And thank you sharing all the skills with me that it takes to make great food, decorating, etc. I love your newsletter.

  105. 105

    deborah345 says

    I had not thought of Jantzen beach for over 40 years or so. Oh my to see that menu from Waddle’s took me back to a time when life really did seem more simple and easier. A time when people took real pride in the things they created – just look at all those beautiful menus, the fonts, the graphics just beautiful.

  107. 107

    nancy roellig says

    A friend of mine ” liked” you on facebook and I was curious to see what it was all about. Her name is Patricia Yerian and she sent a comment about redecorating her home and having a thing for paris ( which she does) I hope she wins the menu. She wants that menu sooo bad. Of course, I prefer Italian. or German. My husband, who now has alzheimers, was an executive chef. Any menu would be a tribute to his skills. can’t wait to read my first newsletter. , nancy

  108. 108

    Ann says

    Kevin,
    your website is FULL of inspiration, and it gets me going on the seasonal projects I need to pay attention to, and yummy recipes to try along the way.
    Thank you!!

  109. 109

    Sarah says

    Hi, Kevin — Love the site. So many great gardening, decorating, and cooking ideas. Thank you for the vintage menu offer. I HAVE to watch the William Holden / Brown Derby “I Love Lucy” episode every time it airs on Hallmark Channel. Glad you like it too.

  110. 110

    Kim Aronson says

    Love this site! I get so many helpful and creative garden ideas that help motivate me in changing my small urban space. Thank you! Love all the menus!

  112. 112

    Tricia says

    I love the bird on the Cafe de Paris Menu. We only eat out once or twice a week. Usually one of those outings is a date night for hubby and I. It is always interesting to dine out as he is a carnivore and I am a vegetarian, but we make it work.

  114. 114

    Ginnie says

    You are never a stranger after you’ve broken bread together. Reading your e-letters is like a good conversation over a share cup of morning coffee. Thank you.

  115. 115

    Chandra Davie says

    Love your sight. Used recipes and they all turn out great The art work on all of the poster is special Hope I win.

  116. 116

    Becky Cotterman says

    WOW! those are awesome! I see a couple that wold be perfect in my new kitchen! We just remodeled and went with the diner theme. It turned out perfect clear down to the booth and juke box! I would LOVE to have one!!!!!!!

  118. 118

    Marie Bennett says

    There are very few mailing list subscriptions that I open EVERY time they arrive but YOURS is definitely one. I know you have an especially great site because people I have turned onto it send me your updates on a regular basis – I never mind getting them more than once! Thank you for sharing!

  119. 119

    Gay Ayyagari says

    My favorite menu framed in my kitchen is from chez panisse in Berkeley ca. We dined there on the occasion of my daughter’s ph.d from ucberkeley.

  124. 124

    Tiffany McCullough says

    Seeing those menus makes you want to go back in time and actually visit the restaurant (any one of the menus would do). What a wonderful and creative idea for the menus. Used to do a whole lot of “scouting around” for things just like this, but not to much anymore. Lucky you to find these! I’m subscribed to your newsletter and have enjoyed every one. I live in Texas and it’s been a bumper crop year for Okra (my all time favorite vegetable: steamed, of course. None of that tomato sauce stuff for me).

  126. 126

    Sandy says

    These are neat and come at a good time for me because I am currently redecorating my kitchen/dinning room area. Got my fingers crossed!!! Love your newsletter.

  129. 129

    Judy says

    Wonderful prints! As my daughter (organic market gardener and cook extraordinaire) is building a new home and designing her own kitchen, I hope to get a few for her decor.
    Thanks for the link!

  130. 130

    theresa n says

    I’m a subscriber and would love to win one of these. I’ve framed magazines from the 1930’s and put them on my walls.

  131. 131

    Roseann says

    What a cool idea! I bet they look great framed and I would love one to display…Thank you for all your great info!

  132. 132

    Jeanne Dwyer says

    Here is the power of positive thinking: WHEN I win, I will choose that beautiful J.H. Ireland Oyster House menu. It combines my two loves, everything Irish!! and seafood!!!

    Love your website and newsletters, Kevin. Keep it comin’!

  136. 136

    susan says

    These menus are beautiful.One would look lovely in my dining room. I have a VIctorian house so it would fit perfectly in my formal dining room.

  138. 138

    Cheryl says

    I just love your blog – it is the only one I follow! Thanks so much for your advice – the ripening tomatoes one was fantastic!!!
    Kind regards, Cheryl

  140. 140

    Beth Moore says

    These menus are AWESOME! Such a window to the past and the sensibilities of those individual times. How interesting are the items on your Thanksgiving menu! I love your site, too….

  141. 141

    Beth Moore says

    These menus are AWESOME! What a wonderful glimpse of history and the sensibilities of the times in which they were used.

  143. 143

    Lynda says

    Oooh, count me in! I’d love to frame one to hang in my dinning room too! How often do we eat out? Birthdays and our Anniversary. (31 years and counting!)
    Thanks!
    ~ Lynda

  144. 144

    Sandy Evans says

    I found these menus so interesting and wonderful works of art. I am very much enjoying your newsletter that I recently started receiving. Lots of info on gardening and cooking, my two favorite things!

  145. 145

    DianeVar says

    One of these framed menus would look great in my dining room. Thanks for the chance to win!

  146. 146

    Naomi Shelton says

    I can’t wait to make that apple streusel! And those vintage menus–what a unique and interesting idea! AND, I love reading your e-mails. I’m going to share them with my nephew who owns a mini-farm –3-4 acres, I think–on the edge of a small city here in Michigan. I know he’ll love them and will sign up right away!

  148. 148

    Susan Keirn says

    Your newsletters are a delight. Thanks for all recipes, tours of house and garden and for tales of your gentle approach to life. All very refreshing. A menu would be such a treasure to win, especially one from the west coast, where I garden.

  149. 149

    Diane B. says

    I have recommended your newsletters to lots of friends. They are a wonderful diversion and respite from our world of contentious politics, hydrofracking (in my area) and the general negativity in public life these days. Thank you! I would love to win one of these delightful menus.

  150. 150

    Jennifer W. says

    These are gorgeous! I’d never thought of looking for something like this for decorating, but it would be absolutely perfect. 🙂

  151. 151

    Marlene Hrabota says

    My mother and my aunt were waitresses for 35 years. They were always taking me to restaurants in the Chicago area. The one from Pulman really struck a chord as my husband’s family grew up in that area.

  154. 154

    Lorena Keech says

    I love these…
    I collect vintage cookbooks and would love to display a menu next to
    my cookbook carousel.

  156. 156

    Emily Phillips says

    Enjoy your newsletter bunches!. Love the idea of framing the menus. Our garden is about done for the year. Still getting a few pods of okra daily and my red bell peppers and cayenne peppers are still producing wonderfully. I grow all my peppers in pots on the steps coming up to our porch. Love your recipes also. Hope I get picked for a menu. I love things like that. Keep up the great work.

  157. 157

    Mary Lou Mayfield says

    These are so lovely!

    I’m anxious to try the Apple Crisp recipe. We visited Carver’s Orchard in East TN and picked up a bag of my favorite Honey Crisp today. I think they will be perfect for this recipe.

  158. 158

    Marianne says

    Love these, especially the one from Pullman. (I’m with you, Kevin, on your message to Amtrack!)

  159. 159

    Diane Kratz says

    I tried your angelic zucchini fritters with the lemon dip and they were the best things I had all
    month. I don’t need to eat out with recipes like these! I can’t wait to try the apple crisp recipe!

  161. 161

    joyce avans says

    I’ve worked in food service for over 35 years. I’ve been collecting menus from the different restaurants where i have worked, from places whose menus I’ve loved, special dinner menus and a variety of other menus. One day I plan on wall papering my kitchen dining area with these menus.

  162. 162

    Kathleen says

    Really enjoy receiving your newsletters. The menus are a real step back in time. Fun to read the variety of foods.

  163. 163

    Elaine says

    Love your newsletter and great photos of all your creations. I’m a cookbook collector but I’ve never come across old menu’s. They are beautiful and would look great in all of our kitchens. Thanks for making so many people happy!

  164. 164

    Linda walker says

    I love these ancient menus. Love to dream of more simple times and different foods. Saw several dishes I would like to try.

    Love your newsletter. Look forward to it and reading every word.

  165. 165

    colorful rollings says

    those are so beautiful & amazing, I have never seen anything like that!! thank you so much for bringing them into the light!! peace out!!

  166. 166

    Anne says

    These old menus are a delight! I recently discovered a 1944 Christmas menu my dad saved from WWII – evidently, despite the fact that war was raging all around them, the army managed to serve a proper Christmas dinner.

  167. 167

    Cathy Ritter says

    My husband co-owns a family-style Italian restaurant in Denver…we love to cook together–and many of your suggested recipes at that. Gratitude for the opportunity to win one of these treasures.

  169. 169

    Debbie Foy says

    Great collection of vintage menus. Waddles brought back memories of those classic drive-in’s and the icy mug of Root Beer that awaited me. One place in particular in Dallas was The Pig Stand. I was a hot dog eater and they made the best – 2 dogs, grilled, cut in half and put on hamburger bun. I Still make them that way when we grill today.

  171. 171

    Dale from Shenandoah Valley in Virginia says

    I love hanging serendipitous finds. Last winter I bought 6 stiff wood place mats, the kind often decorated with hunt scenes, only these had with Audubon-like bird prints on them instead. They were in a box of trays and knickknacks that cost $7.00. I matted, framed, and hung them over a long bench in our hallway, and they look beautiful, often garnering compliments from people visiting.

    Thanks again for your blog. I tell everyone about all the cool tips and recipes you share.

  173. 173

    Anne says

    As I love to dine and invite others for dinner, these menus are just superb to read and think about when planning a menu. What a great idea.

  182. 182

    Pat G. says

    That apple crisp photo is too beautiful for words. As we enter apple picking time out here in the west, this is just what we need to end the perfect meal. I am glad you are feeling better. Keep the recipes and garden photos coming. The menus are fantastic.

    Surviving in the high deserts of CA and so looking forward to fall.

  183. 183

    Pat Cowell says

    Thanks for a great idea. I had not thought of framing an old menu. Seeing this reminded me that I have the at sea farewell dinner menu from March 15, 1959 when my family and I traveled to my dad’s new assignment in Germany. I plan to display it for a special family dinner. I can’t believe my mom kept it with my scrapbook memories all these years. It’s not beautiful like the ones you posted, but a treasure just the same. My menu even includes a baby food selection: Pablum, Peas, and Pears. I guess they were into alliteration.

  185. 185

    Inez says

    A vintage menu, especially one from the south would be an interesting addition displayed along with the vintage photo of my great-grandfather (dated 1880) who was taken to Louisiana from Georgia as a slave. The census of that time reported “first family”, meaning the first time a cenus report was taken on my family, since prior to that time Black Families not being free, were not included in the census reports.

    His sur-name, my mother’s maiden name, was adopted from the slave owner whose family decendents still lives in my home community.

  186. 186

    Bonnie Litton says

    Love your website, so many good and practical tips and recipes. We dine out about 3 or 4 times a month, love going to odd and out of the way places rather than the norm.

  188. 188

    Meg Berlin says

    I’m enjoying both the cooking side of your web site as well as the gardening side.
    It’s nice that the two are so well paired.
    Wow, the old menus are beautiful.

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    stacia says

    as a graphic designer and a foodie, these menus really speak to me!

    shame there are not any from the baltimore area 🙂

  191. 191

    Topher says

    Sign me up, Kevin! Got a brother restauranteur- I’m thinkin Christmas gift here. Just pull my name outta the hat, please. Thank you!

  192. 192

    Judy says

    What a wonderful find!!

    OK, here’s a question for you. Ya know how everyone who plants zucchini has bushels to give away all summer? Not me. I can’t grow zucchini. I may get one or two squashes if I pay attention and hand pollinate (!) but otherwise, nothing. Cucumbers do just fine. Any ideas?

  195. 195

    Erin says

    Love these…The art work is fabulous…Vintage…is the BOMB!!! Thanks so much for offering this…Who ever wins…it’s all good!!!!!!

  197. 197

    Laurie says

    What beautiful menus! .. My husband dine out (more often than we should) as much as 3x a week to as seldom as 2x a month.. fluctuates quite a bit!!

  198. 198

    Maureen says

    Your whole website is so inspirational! It is my “go-to” when I have questions, and my sisters and I often say, Well Kevin says to…..”
    Thanks.
    Maureen

  199. 199

    Lin Pelan says

    Love historic ephemera! Old photos are a favorite, too.
    Whether I win in the drawing or not, it is sure to be a great day. My grandson turns 11 tomorrow which, if you are counting, makes his birthday one day after the 9/11 attacks. So…as terrible as that time was, our family was given a blessing in a healthy baby boy!

  200. 200

    Liz Norris says

    When I saw your menu offer, I just had to comment: Were you aware that the NY Public Library had a menu project? http://menus.nypl.org/ I helped out for a while, because these items are so fascinating. I’d love to own one myself! Thanks for the opportunity to try!

  201. 201

    Trina says

    I think I have a new obsession! Wow I love anything antique and these are so very intriguing. I dream of opening a cafe in the near future and this would be perfect decor! I would also love to have one or two in my kitchen 🙂 I hope I am chosen to win!!! *fingers crossed

  203. 203

    Diane Dauwalder says

    i would like to buy one of these for my sister. I never know what to buy her and I think she’d appreciate one of these. Our Great Aunt and Uncle owned a restaurant in chester, NJ called the Larison’s turkey Farm. My sister worked there and I remeber seeing the baby turkeys when I was little.

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    Barbara Davenport says

    Exquisite works of art from a bygone era. Perfect touch for a breakfast nook, kitchen or dining room.

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    k8 says

    I am planning a library conference right now for WA & OR, so just loving the Waddle’s menu! We’re holding the event in Vancouver, WA.

  208. 208

    Patty Komara Bertolino says

    Enjoy the information you share on facebook; now will enjoy your newsletter, too! ;~)

  209. 209

    Marjean Cline says

    I subscribed to the newsletter several months ago and love it! I have a new folder for A Garden for the House recipes that I’m collecting and have tried several already. LOVE the tomato pie!

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    Danielle LaPorte says

    I love the Cafe de Paris one and would like to frame it to put in my diningroom. It’s lovely and the food sounds great! Bon appetit!

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    Lisa Williams says

    Wow, I’ve been to someof the restraunts and am sad to say, some are now gone. Great way to relive the memory.

  213. 213

    elli says

    I kept reading until I found that you were getting these from a business … I didn’t see how you could possibly let them go if you had picked them up yourself somewhere … whewww

    The Most Historic place I have eaten was at ‘Mrs.K’s Toll House’ down by DC, in Silver Spring … loved every minute of it. Never had much alone time in NY, so no experience there. DC is such a mix of people that the food is out of this world (along with all the Politicians’ Minds LOL).

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