You are what you eat August 20, 2023
Posted by judylobo in Zoo.Tags: art, art exhibitions, Grolier Club, Henry Voight, Menus, NYC, photography
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This ‘delicious’ show, which was at The Grolier Cub and was fascinating. It idiosyncratically and chronologically told the story of American gastronomy, and the country itself—in menus. It seems menus came into general use n the 1840’s when only the upper class dined outside the home. The exhibit included menus from restaurants, banquets, soup kitchens, private yachts, and even houses of ill repute.“It’s like a 15-degree slice of history,” said menu collector Henry Voigt, who adroitly curated the show. “You’re looking from a different perspective. It’s not just what people were eating, but what they were doing, with whom they were doing it, and what they valued. It’s a mirror of society. Yes, it runs along class lines, but it represents all classes in various ways. They’re minor historic documents that reflect everyday life. The QR codes that one gets in restaurants these days is depressingly dull. The New Yorker did a piece on Henry Voigt, the collector. You can read it here. The Grolier Club is closed in August but I look forward to seeing their upcoming exhibits in the fall. 
While at the Zoo 
Once again, you find very interesting exhibits.
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The Grolier Club is free and often has unique exhibitions.
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So cool, thanks!
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Glad you liked it Joe
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I love reading menus of any era. Sorry I couldn’t see this show.
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Maybe it will travel?
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So interesting to hear about the origin of menus….thanks Judy – all very fab! By the way, did you hear about an unusual exchange re a menu….well…a waiter asked if the customer had any questions about the menu? Customer asked….what font is this? 🙂
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LOL
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