The Washington times., 1894-05-13
NAPOLEON At THE TABLE.

The Emperor's Cooks and Some OF His
Favorite Delicacies.
The Emperor had at his disposal the IA
nous cook La Guipiere, the rival Of Boucher
and Careme. Napoleon almost drove him to
despair through his irregularity in taking his
meals.
"whenever his appetite made itself felt"
says Brillat-Saverin, "it had to be satisfied at
once, and his service was appointed in such
way that poultry. outlets and coffee were
always awaiting his call"
He took ten or twelve minutes for break
fast, and half hour for dinner. He gulped
his food down precipitately. This often
brought on violent pains Of the stomach,
which always ended in vomiting. He gen.
orally breakfasted at 10 and dined between z
and 8.
As a rule the Emperor breakfasted at a
round mahogany table, without napkin
Qor he was not clean in his eating habits),
using his fingers instead OF a fork and spoon,
and dipping his bread in the sauce. After
partaking of two or three dishes he finished
his meal with large emp OF coffee. =.
At dinner. courses and side courses were all
served at the same time: Napolean ate dis
tractedly, sometimes taking sweetmeats or
cream before he to touched the entrees.
The Emperor paid very little attention to
his table guests. His dinner over. he rose
and passed out into the family salon. Josephin
remained seated, and, motioning to the
others to do likewise, the repast continued,
when 1t was necessary to follow him, the
ladies of the palace were obliged to indemnify
themselves in their apartments.
One day, when dinner ended sooner than
usual, Prince Eugene arose from the table
Immediately after the Emperor. The latter
perceiving this, turned and remarked:
"why, Eugene, you have not had time
enough to dine?"
81 beg pardon, dined in advance" replied
the prince.
Napoleon's table was abundantly and well
served. He ate with appetite. Although
very particular about the quality OF the bread,
he had no taste for rare or highly spiced
dishes. He was Indifferent TO all kinds of
meats save mutton chops and leg OF mutton.
Picked beans and lentils were his favorite
vegetables.
The Emperor was some times whimsical,
one day he demanded pig croquettes. Du-
nan. the head steward of the hotel explained
with great eloquence that it was vulgar
dish. Partridge croquettes were served Tor
breakfast the following morning. Napoleon
was delighted, ate heartily and congratulated
Dunan.
A month afterward the stewart thought he
might venture to serve the same dish again.
The Emperor took his soup. them hastily
uncovered the first dish. At the sight OF the
croquettes he became furious, pushed the
table violently from him, upset everything on
the carpet, then retired to his room, exhibit
ing signs Of the most violent anger.
Dunan was indignant. Such an insult.
Hurrying off Immediately to the marshal OF
the palace, he offered to resign then and
there.
Duroc cansoled the excited steward, ad-
vised him to prepare another breakfast quickly,
and await the orders of his august master.
And in truth the Emperor did not delay in
asking for something to eat. Roast chicken
was served him by the second steward.
"Where is Dunan?" asked Napoleon. why
does he NOT serve mc?"
Dunan did not wish to reappear before his
master. He was sent for, however. and Ma
poleon praised the chicken, adding by way of
excuse for ill-temper:
''Ahi my dear Dunan, you are far happier
as steward than am as Emperor"
Napoleon ate from silver dishes. In 1S06
he ordered a thousand at time. He was
very miserly in regard TO his kitchen. He
often accompanied Duroc TO market in order
to keep informed OF the price of sugar and
all other commodities. He disliked to be
robbed by his domestics.
The Emperor drank sparingly. A half bot
tie Of Chambertin, well thinned with ice
water, satisfied him. He was very poor
judge OF wine. At Boulogne he invited some
officers to dinner. During the meal he sud-
denly asked Angereau how he liked his
wine.
.'Sire," replied the general, 81 have tasted
better"
Champagne made him merry, consequently
he rarely drank any. Before retiring he took
cafe la creme, chocolate, or punch, sweet
and light as lemonade; after every meal cup
OF coffee. As it frequently happened that he
drank his coffee cold. too sweet, or not sweet
ened at all. Josephine found it necessary to
prepare and serve it herself. Later on Marie
Louise did the same.
1t was to Marie Louise that Napoleon
whished to give the amusing lesson in cook
ing which has been so much talked about.
On entering the apartments of the En-
press one morning he noticed an unusual
odor
'what is going on here?' he asked. 81
smell something strange"
Marie Louise blushed and remained silent.
But tine Emperor, gong behind q SCREEN
found several kitchen utensils, among them