The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-05
THE FRENCH COOKS BALL.

THAT art, books and revolutions owe their origin.
not 10 the heart or brain, but to the stomach. was
'uny demonstrated last night at the ball given at
irving han under the auspices OF the French
oVo"' benevolent Society; and a very benevolent
""u very nearly AFFAIR it was from beginning to
emu. IL IL questionable indeed, whesner any
event o Tue season, musical, terpsichOrean or p0-
n'ica'' nas attracted such an eager and aIfrecia-
tive assemblage; for, after ALL the good Old Dame
nature has claims somewhat Irresistible rrr their
way IL may. In TACT, be asserted as trusrn that
while the gallant John Bull can turn out n splen-
did dish Of roast beef, there's no denying it. as a
Charming ticker OF the palate the frenchman n
King. 10 DC sure the programme Of dancing Iasr
night attracted many young ladies and gentlemen
who had been spelling for want OF fun but It may
be asserted without fear OF contradiction that tho
supper-weil 1t may as well be plainly told ae
once-Jiat at midnight Irving Hall was crowded. tn
its fullest capacity. But let Us proceed to the great
feature.
The supper was Of a style which ia only sesn
once year, and that Is at this ball. Decidedly tho
French are the only cooks In the world. Looking
from the head Of the supper table one looked down
upon an array OF dishes which would nave made
the mouth OF Lucullus himself water. The sight to
an epicure was simply magnificent, and only those
enjoy the sight. There were three tables. running
the whole length Of the room, and furnishing room
one Of those wondrons os When made
somebody say we don't remember who, that
IL TOOK more genius to De successful
COOK than triumphant general. One, at The
end of the principal table and made by the Presi-
dent OF the society, M. Mandutt, represented a
full grown bear, with skin on and climbing tree.
Around ROSTERS arrayed IN all their FUSS
and feathers But alas for the illusion all this was
dead. Upon removing the skin one saw the bear
roasted whole IN the most approved style, iarded
and Ornamented with those small delights Of
epicures known as trufiies. Removing the feathers
OF the ROSTERS one found them fully cooked aud
that most succulentIy Another dish was rep
resentatlon OF the famous yacht Henrietta, done
IN sugar, every sail perfect. from the .nying ib TO
the maintopsail all marked out most beautifully,
even to the men. Much OF the culinary skill
had been lavisned upon the fish, which had been
prepared In all manner OF ways never dreamed Of
before. And yet, fine as all this was TO look upon.
the erect was still more pleasant when 1t came TO
the organ OF TASTE though any true gourmet could
not but feel some sense OF regret at having 70
demoiiSh these deliberately constructed dishes.
1t would be agreeable to add that alter supper
dancing was resumed with great spirit. Guided,
however, by spirit OF truth, is but Just to state
that a heightened interval took place between
the time the tempting pieces were brought TO
grief and the period when the lamenting Terpsi-
chOre stood waiting for renewal OF festivities.
The TACT Is that the vocabulary tails to supply =
qualifying word for the exec Hence OF the supper,
but at all events, when the sound OF admiraJiOR
had died away. the festivities were resumed With
great ardor. Altogether the ball was great bene-
tn nj