On Monday, February 6th, I had the pleasure of speaking to ladies at The Kenwood by Senior Star who remembered the downtown tearooms well. Passing around old menus brought on nods of recognition and laughter as we all discussed how the prices have changed. Imagine getting a lunch of beef short ribs, mashed potatoes, and grilled tomatoes for 40¢. That’s what it cost at the McAlpin’s Tea Room in 1939.
And one of the ladies, Zell Schulman, brought up interesting points and questions in regard to the work involved with putting together a cookbook. She knew from personal experience what’s involved with gathering and testing recipes – she is the author of several cookbooks herself.
On Friday the 10th I spoke at a lovely tearoom style luncheon at Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community. While the ladies and gentlemen (Yes! A few men attended also – in what I believe was a true representation of the percentage of tea room visitors who were male) enjoyed eating soup, salad, sandwiches, and little dessert bites, I gave my slide show presentation. The chef used some of the book’s recipes!
Questions following my talk led to my sharing both personal memories and additional local history stories. I love it when the audience wants to hear and learn more about bygone days downtown and in the old tea rooms!
