In 1949, long before I was born, my globe trekking Dad left the rainforests of Vancouver, to live and work in the arid desert of a Saudi Arabian mining camp. Two years, eight countries, and a trunk full of memories later, he was aboard the RMS Scythia, one of the Cunard Line's cruise ships, on a return voyage to Canada.
That old trunk was a treasure trove of tales and riches. In addition to camera equipment, a diary, fabric and jewelry for his future bride, he kept the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus from the cruise.
The ocean liner printed new menus three times a day. The breakfast menu was a simple, single sided narrow card, with the cheerful words, "Good Morning" surrounded by a flock of seagulls. The lunch and dinner menus were larger, and more elaborate. Every day, there were two different works of art on the lunch and dinner covers, and the menus opened up to reveal exotic sounding dishes, their names artfully typeset in French or English, across two pages. My favourite menu cover was this one, with six flamingos striding through turquoise waters. Time has not diminished the graphic design.
Food trends change through the years, which is why historians and chefs pour over old menus. These pre-Mad Men menus list heavier mains, fewer vegetables, numerous dessert "ices" (freezing food was still a novelty), and with the exception of Petit Fours, a surprising absence of cakes. On this 1951 cruise, diners were tempted with: Consomme Victoria, Fillets of Plaice Gronobloise, Noodles au Parmesan, Roast Ribs and Sirloin of Beef with Horseradish Cream, Roast Duckling Bigarrade, Lamb Cutlets, Calf's Head Vinaigrette, Cauliflower Hollandaise, Braised Celery au Jus, Leaf Spinach, Boiled or Delmonico Potatoes, Beetroot Salad, Bread and Butter Pudding, Compote of Black Currants and Cream, Souffle au Vanille, Raspberry Sundae, Neapolitan Ice, Pistachio Ice, and Vanilla Ice with Hot Chocolate Sauce.
Imagine, it is a Saturday night, in September of '51, and you are aboard the RMS Scythia. You've returned to your cabin after dinner. This is the inspiration behind these photo vignettes.
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