Remembering the 25th Anniversary of the Titanic Movie Through Food

downtonabbeycooks

2 years ago

Cover of Titanic movie featuring Leonardo Decpario and Kate Winslet

Titanic is currently being remembered on the 25th anniversary of James Cameron’s movie Titanic. The actual anniversary is commemorated each April 14th. At 2:20 am. on April 15, 1912, the British ocean liner sank about 400 miles south of Newfoundland, Canada. The massive ship, which carried 2,200 passengers and crew, had struck an iceberg two and a half hours before. 700 survived.

As a food historian, I appreciate gathering friends to pay homage to lives lost in this famous tragic event and serving these dishes throughout the year. Downton Abbey fans are particularly drawn to this tragedy as the series opens with this news that directly affects the Crawley family.

The Marvel of Titanic’s Kitchens

There is much trivia to appreciate about the ship. Passengers in steerage had never dined as well in their lives. Titanic was equipped with some of the most sophisticated culinary facilities afloat and boasted elegant cafes and opulent dining saloons that rivalled the finest restaurants in Paris and London.

A huge staff prepared 6,000 meals a day. The main galley featured serving pantries; a butcher shop; a bakery; vegetable kitchens; specialized rooms for silver and china; rooms for wines, beer and oysters; and huge storage bins for the tons of coal needed to fuel the 19 ovens, cooking tops, ranges and roasters. They even had huge freezer compartments when even grand houses like Downton had to rely on cold storage rooms and iceboxes.

If you want a great food read to learn more about Titanic’s food service and recipes, I highly recommend Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes from the Great Liner.

From Asparagus Salad to Chocolate Eclairs

Fortunately, menus survived the disaster; survivors had tucked the menus into their pockets. In 2012, on the 100th Anniversary, I researched and prepared each dish, modifying recipes to current tastes where applicable.

While you are at home with time on your hands, you don’t have to prepare a whole Titanic meal to honour the past. With 42 dishes from that last dinner on April 14th served in 3 classes of passengers, there is plenty to choose from.

I often prepare a unique dish and present it to my guests, noting its connection to the Titanic. Great Food Has a History!

Click on the Menu links to reveal the recipes in each class.

1st Class Menu 2nd Class Menu 3rd Class Menu