The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-08-30
A UNIQUE BANQUET.

A banquet in which all the viands shall
be of California production can be made a
brilliant, picturesque and instructive OBJ
iect lesson, and the Endorsement of the
idea by the State Board of Trade, the Fruit
Exchange, the Half-million Club, the
Manufacturers and Producers Association
and other organizations indicates the es-
TEEN in which it is held by those most
anxious to advance the interests of the
State. The manager of the Woman's Ex-
change is to have charge of the affair, and
the banquet is to be given at the California
Hotel, September 81.
The meager announcement of the ban
quet gives no information on some points
that deserve attention. Is price to be
charged which will leave profit? If SO,
who are to be the benefciaries? Would it
be better not to conduct it with a consid-
cradle profit in view, but principally for
the purpose of educating as many persons
as possible by making as low a charge as
can be imposed with safety? Who is to be
responsible for the whole affair, particu-
larly with reference to such selection of
edlbles as will give the widest representa-
ton OF California food products2 This
may prove the most important of all con-
siderations, for selections will have to be
made and preferences shown. Hard feel
ing might arise from the valuable adver-
Using which some manufacturers and pro-
ducers would enjoy at the expense of
others. Evidently much wisdom and dis
erection are required in this undertaking,
and no mistakes should be made that
80
responsibility can avert.
VIII any restrictions be placed on
the number and standing of the persons
who shall enjoy the feast? If so, who are
to be the participants, what will be the
basis of their choice and who will be
charged with the responsibility of their Sc
lection? If the salient intention is to
demonstrate how splendid banquet can
be served with California products, and If
it is desired to make complete showing,
such feast as would require almost a
fabulous entrance charge could be easily
planned.
If the central idea is to be one of instruc-
ton concerning the products of California
it is conceivable that a plan very different
from that of banquet might be devised,
anu LHdI the pIeSeuCc VI the MeCIlaulCS
Fair suggests the method. A large restau-
rant conducted in connection with the
fair and running from day to day might
be made vastly more comprehensive and
instructive than banquet. 1t would re-
quire very long bill of fare to contain all
the good things to eat which California
produces, but such bill itself would be
documentary evidence of the States re-
sources in this regard, and a separate price
for each article in the bill would enable
patrons to spend much or little, as their
means permitted or inclinations suggested.
The poor and the rich, the proletariat and
the aTistocracy, would thus all be placed
on approximately equal terms. The walls
of the restaurant could be filled with food
articles of home production, showing them
as they appear before and after cooking or
serving. With the aid of flowers such a
restaurant might be made bower of
beauty as well as a school of instruction.
The Mechanics Fair is mentioned because
it is headquarters for people from every
section of the State.