Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-02

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have recalled the menu of that night, and
do not think any subsequent dinner has sur
passed it. OF course there were no terrapin
or canvas backs, as people did not consider
them luxury then. The table appoint
ments were sumptuous. There was one
wine setof Bohemian glass that was the most
beautiful thing ever saw on Washington
table. Mrs Sprague reserved it when her
fathers effects were sold. We sat nearly
three hours at the table. That reminds me
of the modern fad, for it deserves no higher
name, of rushing through a dinner in an
hour and half. It is an absurd custom.
We ought to take even longer time to
serve our dinners than the English, for we
have 80 many more courses"
What makes the successful dinner?" I
asked.
FOUR OF THE INDISPENSABLES.
First of all" replied Mrs. Miller, "the
guests. They should not exceed Is in num-
Der, although high official must often have
twice that number. Then they should know
each other so that there can be a current of
talk around and across the table, Second,
the service. There should not be an in
stant's delay in the courses Third, the
choice and service of wines. Fourth, the
chef. I do not think a house can have a
reputation for characteristic dinners ii they
have a caterer. Everything should be
cooked IN the house and in an individual
style. Now. as to the expense. A good
dinner with wines with IL guests ought to
be gotten up tor $3.50. The total expense of
getting up dinner has exactly quadrupled
since I came to Washington, and they tell
me this year that canvas-backs are Sc
apiece instead of a pair"
Mrs. Senator Quay said: "There have
been fewer entertainments given this year
than have ever known, and think it is
because people have been depressed by the
epidemic of influenza. Some dinners have
been given, of course, but nothing like the
number given last season. They are the
pleasantest entertainment for older people,
but it is equally true that they are the great
est trouble to hostess. When have given
them I have never had more than 18 guests,
as think they lose their intimate, friendly
quality if more are at the table. With one
or two exceptions do not think Washing
ton dinner-givers are whit more extrava-
CANT than those OF other cities
HER DINNER ovEREsTIMATED.
I found Mrs. Senator Hearst at home, and
asked her as to the cost of Washington din
ners. She said: 81 gave an entertainment
last winter at which it was reported the
flowers alone cost $4,000. 1 was in New
York shortly afterward, and friend asked
me If had heard the account. I told her
that had received papers from every part
OF the country commenting upon my ex-
travagance, and then she asked exactly what
had paid. told her the exact truth when
said $3.50. Even if had been so imbecile
I how
flowers into my whole house. When came
to Washington 1 was told that every one
gave very large entertainments, and I said
that should stand by my principles and
give small ones il had to give many. They
told me that could not do it, but I have,
for will not invite my friends to q crush.
1t is not hospitality.
"a dinner perfect in every detail can be
got up for $25 per cover, not including
wines nor table appointments and service"
WIFE OF THE MEXICAN MINISTER.
next called upon Madame Matias
Romero, who is one of the most accom- |
plished entertainers of the diplomatic circle, |
and asked her as to these matters. She |
said: II usually give two evening recep- |
tions or balls, two or three dinners and four |
afternoon leVees in a season. At the din |
ners we have 16 or IS guests, and our menu |
differs little from others save that we always |
have two or three Mexican dishes such as |
mole with sauce piquante and Chile velle- |
The hrSt is1turkey prepared in Mexi- |
can fashion and the second are red peppers,
as Mexican thinks something spicy and |
hot is as necessary to digestion as wine. I
really do not know what we usually pay for
flowers at a dinner, but at an evening recep-
tion they represent the greatest expense, as
a house to be beautiful must be filed with
flowers At the ball which we gave to
open the legation we had the walls covered
with palms, vines and flowers as though
they had not been frescoed."
A CABINET MENU.
close my letter with the bill of fare Of
one Of the 81, 900 feasts of the White House.
1t is the menu used for President Harrison's
dinner to the Cabinet, and it reads as fol-
lows:
MENU.
Oysters on the half SHE'LL Potage.
Green turtle soup. Poisson.
Boiled salmon with sauce
Pommes Duchesse. Cucumbers.
Hors D'Oeuvre Bouches a la Financier.
Cheese straws and olives. Relieve.
Filet de boeuf Ia jardiniere. Entrees.
Supreme de Valaiddes aux truf1es.
Terrapin, Maryland style.
Petites aspio de Fois gras en- Belleove.
Sorbet. Kirsch punch. Roti.
Canvas-back ducks. Currant jelly.
Salade. Celery and lettuce msyonnaise.
Legumes. Asparagus. Entremets.
Gateau SAINT Honore.
Glace. Pomfretta. Desserts.
Conserves marrons glacis, bonbons etc.
Cafe.
Spice the above with witty conversation,
decorate the table with the costliest flowers,
make the women all beautiful and the men
Ill bright and you have feast for King.
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