Casino de Paree. New York

This business at 54th street in New York has had a long and varied lifespan. It started as the Gallo Opera House in 1927, then the Casino de Paree in 1933 (approximately when this menu is from), then the Federal Music Theatre in 1937, CBS studio 52 in 1942 and finally Studio 54 in 1977. Currently it is still referred to as Studio 54 building and houses a variety of tenants. Not much is known about its days as the Casino de Paree and it was more famous as the stage for CBS productions like the Jack Benny Show, Captain Kangaroo, Beat the Clock and many other famous radio shows. In 1977 it became Studio 54 and was reknown as a famous and sophisticated nightclub. Prohibition ended in 1933 so its looks very likely that this risque Casino de Paree was created specifically to celebrate and enjoy the relaxed alcohol laws of the time.

The White House U.S.A.

Chevron Hotel Melbourne

Built in 1934, it was the last of the ritzy Melbourne nightclubs with artists like Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, Gregory Peck and many others. Times have moved on and now it is an apartment block. The wine list is a classic of yesterday with wines such as Yalumba Carte DÓr Reisling, Quelltaler Hock, Tintara Cabinet all sitting comfortably besides such luminaries as Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, Chateau D'Yquem. The food menu is equally fascinating. Notice how chicken was much more expensive than fillet steak or lobster. ( no large chicken farms then ). The menu dates from about 1952  I believe. This is only the lunch menu....I would loved to have seen the dinner menu !!

Triaca's Bistro Melbourne

This menu dates from about 1968/9 and definately shows the Italian cuisine from the famous Triaca family, a venerated member of Melbournes "spaghetti mafia". I am having trouble tracing the provenance of this bistro as Triaca's restaurant became the "Latin" in 1957 before decimal currency so I am not sure whether it was attached to the restaurant operated by Triaca's son David as the menu, although with considerable Italian influence, is not Italian enough....

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

A bit of history for a dear friend in England. Built in 1880, this classic hotel still trades today but in vastly different forms to its past. I have included an old photo and a picture of one of its modern (?)rooms and if you think it looks small, you must realise it is actually two of the old rooms combined. I think I have only seen one smaller hotel room and that was in London. The bed was touching the walls on two sides, you had to leave the bathroom door open to sit on the toilet and when you brought your bags into the room, ,you had to physically climb over them to get into bed. The menu from the Victoria is from 1962 and would not qualify as Haute Cuisine with its hand written changes, perhaps it was the manager's working copy.  Aaaah! remember night duty there Don?

Prawn Farm Restaurant, New Zealand

Thought I'd better give our Kiwi cousins a mention, so here is the Prawn Farm Restaurant in Taupo, North Island of New Zealand. Unfortunately we thought the farm was a bit overpriced but interesting. I think farmed seafood never quite tastes as good as the wild caught product. this menu was from 2006.

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

After a recent $200 million refurbishment, the old lady is a sparkling example of colonial architecture with a banquet menu straight out of Victorian England. Its history is well explained in the menu program. Unfortunately our son who was quite young at the time did not appreciate the asian style sweets offered in the Tiffin room for high tea. The famous Singapore sling was a bit pricey considering it was premixed and poured out of a jug but none the less, an experience not to be missed in this modern age.

Stadtkeller,Restaurant, Switzerland

This Swiss restaurant in Lucerne has every conceivable folk music act known to man. Flag swirling, cow bell ringing, slap dancing, yodeling, swiss alpine horn blowing and many more I cannot quite remember due to the large amount of beer consumed. I haven't quite forgiven my wife for dobbing me in to go onto the stage so "Heidi"could teach me to yodel. Definately a class lowering act,but the food was traditional and very good, so I forgive her.

Los Caracoles, Barcelona

Los Caracoles (the snails ) restaurant in Barcelona, Spain. With its menu in 4 languages (French, English, Spanish and German) it obviously aims for the tourist market and seems to do very well at it.

I think this menu dates from the 70's when my parents dined there and from all accounts had a memorable dinner of Spanish Cuisine. They had paella, snails and suckling pig.

Sofitel Hotel Paris

A beautiful hotel in a beautiful city. Whilst waiting for my wife to come down as we were going out on the town, I thought I would have a drink at the Bar. So of course I ordered a Kir Royal and then I noticed what champagne they were mixing it with. Perrier Jouet Crystal. No wonder it was fantastic. This is an older menu from 1972.

The Three Hussars Restaurant. Austria

This 89 year old restaurant was established in 1933 by three Hussar Officers, hence the name. Long reknown as one of Vienna's top gourmet restaurants (albeit very expensive! what with a cover charge, a music charge, 10.5% service charge and a 10% value added tax) , it has a  cuisine based on the traditional Austro-Hungarian Empire of years gone by. This menu is dated around 1991 and is a delight to see and read.