VERONICA HINKE
author • speaker • journalist
Specializing in early 20th Century Drinking & Dining
Events
I’d love to meet with you soon during one of my in-person or virtual culinary programs!
I love meeting new people and sharing my passion for food history, culinary narratives and deeper discussions around my book, “The Last Night on the Titanic“. My speaker events and book sigings are a great fit for:
- Dinner Clubs – plan your next party with a Titanic meal theme
- Historical Societies
- Culinary Institutes
- Book Stores
- Fundraising Events
- Book Clubs
- Writing Groups
- …and much more!
Let’s brainstorm how we can create a FABULOUS event for you!
Cooking Class: Timeless Titanic Appetizers (SOLD OUT)
October 12, 6 to 9 p.m.
I will share my love of history and the culinary arts by presenting a selection of recipes focused on appetizers from my new book, Titanic: The Official Cookbook. Menu: Welsh Rarebit Sliders (with apple), Baked Apple bites, Salmon with Mousseline Sauce, Violet Cauliflower Tabbouleh bites, and Lamb Lollipops with Mint Sauce Class Type: Demo $60
Past Events
Drinking, Dining, and Style aboard The Titanic (PAST EVENT)
April 14 and 21, 1-2 p.m., Central time
Before the world of influencer-driven luxury travel lifestyles we know today, the Titanic defined glamor, fashion, food, drink, and the pinnacle of high-society culture until its legendary and tragic demise. From stunning and intricate fashion of the late Edwardian era to the sumptuous meals served to those who could afford the lofty first class, the Titanic was the idealized dream of sophistication made real.
On the cusp of Prohibition, the Titanic defined drinking and dining styles of the era. Author of The Last Night on the Titanic, Veronica Hinke, explores how societal lines were distinctly drawn aboard one of the most famous ships to ever set sail. Never-before-experienced luxuries were available to all passengers, which set an unprecedented standard and continues to draw intense interest 110 years later.
Hinke will unravel the immigrant experiences on the Titanic, from the crew to first, second, and third class passengers. Follow the deeply researched culinary narrative of the Titanic, highlighting news articles, menus, books, and first-hand accounts from experts and family members of passengers and crew. Discover food and cocktail recipes New York City elites like John Jacob Astor IV, Mr. and Mrs. Straus, the founders of Macy’s, and Benjamin Guggenheim consumed; the games passengers of all classes enjoyed; and understand the complete immigrant experience aboard the Titanic.
Central Wisconsin Ties to The Titanic: An Up-Close Look at The Interior Decor of the TB Scott Mansion and The Third Class Titanic Passenger Who Once Lived There (PAST EVENT)
Merrill (Wisconsin) Historical Society
April 15, 1 to 2 p.m.
If you were never able to see inside the T.B. Scott Mansion – the dramatic Queen Anne-style dream house of one of Central Wisconsin’s first lumber barons – this is your chance to see some of the gorgeous, stately interior décor first-hand.
We will look close up at tiles, woodwork and more that has been painstakingly and lovingly preserved from the mansion. A majestic fireplace mantle and more T.B. Scott artifacts are now on display at the Merrill Historical Society. Titanic third class passenger Daniel Coxon (Popcorn Dan) lived in the mansion for a time. Dan, a popular peanut and popcorn vendor in Central Wisconsin, did not survive when the ship sank in the wee hours of the morning of April 15, 1912. What are Dan’s ties to the mansion and to Merrill? Hinke will read letters that Dan wrote to the good friend that he was going to meet when the Titanic reached New York City. His friend, Central Wisconsin native HV Kaltenborn, was about to become one of the most noteworthy journalists of the early 20th Century.
o Address: 100 E. Third St., Merrill, WI 54452
o Free refreshments will be served by Edwardian period re-enactors. Period dress is encouraged!
o Free; please consider providing a donation to the Merrill Historical Society!
o Registration is not required, however, drop me a line if you think you might attend!
Titanic Virtual Authors Conference
Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
June 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central time (PAST EVENT)
Five authors will come together in this full-day series of presentations on a wide array of Titanic topics that they have researched.
Here is the exciting schedule:
- 9 a.m. “The Last Night on The Titanic” by Veronica Hinke
- 10 a.m. “The Stars of April – Ruth Becker Story” by Peggy Wirgau
- 11 a.m. “The Art of Afternoon Tea” by Penelope Carlevato
- 12 p.m. “History’s Mysteries: Ship of Dreams” by Donna Martin
- 1 p.m. “Trapped on the Titanic” by Tammy Knox
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/25eb3443.
The Immigrant Story: Meals Aboard The Titanic
Rhubarb Scone Demonstration
May 24, 7 p.m. Mountain time (PAST EVENT)
While the Titanic made her mark by offering the height of Edwardian elegance and glamour, what mattered most for hundreds of her passengers was she was transporting them for a chance at a better life in a whole new world – America!
What was food like for the hopeful immigrants who were traveling to New York City aboard the Titanic?
Even in first and second classes, the quality of accommodations and meals surpassed that of other Edwardian passenger steamships. On most ships, it was still necessary for travelers in third class to pack food to last the entire journey.
Learn more about foods that were served in third and second class aboard the Titanic, and about how mealtimes differed between the three classes.
Soda scones were served in second class. Rhubarb – that wonderful late Spring ingredient that is making a comeback today – was served to Titanic crew members.
During the program we will make Rhubarb Scones (see recipe below).
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2p9d8v5h.
RECIPE for Roasted Rhubarb Scones with Fresh Cream and Mint.
April 18, 2 to 3 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
This very special Titanic Tea is being planned to mark the 110th anniversary of the ship of dreams that captivated every heart around the world! We will talk about her special brand of splendor, in all three classes.
Even in third class aboard the Titanic, accomodations exceeded those of other grand steamships of the time. Foods served at high tea (4 p.m.) in Steerage included cold meats and cheeses; pickles, fresh bread and butter; and stewed figs and rice.
Learn more! Be part of this very special afternoon tea time program with us!
Edwardian Hats optional!
128 South Sawyer St.
Shawano, WI 54166
April, 2, 2022, 6 to 11 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
I lived at Belmont Harbor in Chicago for over seven years, in the 1990s, and it is one of the most cherished corners of the world to me! A black tie event will honor the 110th Anniversary of the Titanic and also raise necessary funding to restore Chicago’s beloved Belmont Barge!
What were they eating and drinking on the last night aboard the Titanic? I will be providing information throughout this very special evening. Be a part of the great work that is happening to restore one of Chicago’s most endearing landmarks!
400 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
“Senior Moments” Series
50 & Better!
March 2, 2022, 10 to 11 a.m. (PAST EVENT)
What were first class meals like for Titanic passengers – including travelers from Wisconsin? What were they eating and drinking on the last night aboard the Titanic? A look at Wisconsin ties to the Titanic, including revealing letters from Merrill, Wisconsin popcorn vendor Dan Coxon to journalist H.V. Kaltenborn and more. Inspiring stories of some of the heroes of one of the world’s worst maritime disasters in history.
I am pleased to be able to contribute this presentation to support the Ben & Floyde Sias Trust, which sponsors the Senior Moments series.
Manitowoc County Historical Society
Hungry for History Series
October 21, 2021, 5:30 – 7 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
What were first class meals like for Titanic passengers – including Manitowoc-born Emil Brandeis? What were they eating and drinking on the last night aboard the Titanic? A look at Wisconsin ties to the Titanic, including revealing letters from Merrill, Wisconsin popcorn vendor Dan Coxon to journalist H.V. Kaltenborn and more. Inspiring stories of some of the heroes of one of the world’s worst maritime disasters in history.
October 10, 2020, 1:30 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
“26 miles across the sea…Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me!” I still remember us singing that song! In June 1991, I tried to take my mom & dad to Hawaii from Central Wisconsin on my new flight passes. We got bumped, but ended up having the time of our lives on Catalina Island– shopping for nautical hats & so much more. Those beautiful memories help me feel closer to my mom & dad now. It’s so important to make memories. You can imagine how excited I am to be live streaming with the wonderful people at the Catalina Island 🌴 Museum on their Instagram page this Friday at 1:30 p.m. Central Time! Catalina Island Museum is a non-profit dedicated to collecting, preserving, and promoting the culture and history of Santa Catalina Island. We will talk about their upcoming exhibition, “Titanic: Real Artifacts, Real People, Real Stories.” The live stream will be on the museum’s Instagram: @catalinamuseum.
VIRTUAL Author Presentation & Discussion
“Titanic Heroes”
July 18, 12-1 p.m. Central (PAST EVENT)
Margaret Brown Birthday Celebration!
Come and raise a glass with us and honor the incredible life of the “unsinkable Molly Brown!” We will discuss Margaret’s acts of bravery on the last night on the Titanic and beyond. We will also talk about other “Titanic Heroes” who inspire to this day, and are especially empowering during these uncertain times. Make one of the Edwardian cocktails featured in my book, and come together for this lively discussion of history & heroes!
Molly Brown House Museum: “Unsinkable Celebration”
ZOOM Presentation
Friday, July 17, 2020 (PAST EVENT)
I am honored and delighted to be able to help kick-off an online celebration on the eve of Margaret (Molly) Brown’s 153rd. birthday! Margaret is one of my personal heroes, and I hope that you will find inspiration from her story, too. I will demonstrate how to make a Clover Club cocktail, which is a beautiful pink gin-based drink that was very stylish when the Titanic sailed. The Clover Club was invented in Philadelphia, and soon after was popularized at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City, which was owned by John Jacob Astor IV. Like Margaret, he was traveling aboard the Titanic in first class.
Molly Brown House Museum: Finding Inspiration in Titanic Heroes During Global Pandemic
ZOOM Presentation for Museum Members
May 2020 (PAST EVENT)
ONLINE for Museum Members
Become a museum member to participate.
I have been thinking a lot lately about a real Titanic hero who courageously helped others during the disaster. The Molly Brown House Museum contributed information, recipes and photos to my book, and I am very happy to be able to talk about Margaret Brown and other selfless passengers and crew during this Zoom event exclusively for museum members and volunteers. In my inspirational webinar I will feature ways Margaret Brown and other Titanic heroes helped others during the disaster. No night on the Titanic would be complete without the dishes and drinks that rivaled any found on land. When you register for this free webinar you will receive recipes for a cocktail and appetizer to enjoy while listening to rousing stories from the final night of the famous voyage.
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point at Wausau (WI) Continuing Education & Outreach department
“Titanic Heros: Learning about the inspiring people who chose actions of bravery over fear!”
April 23, 2020 (PAST EVENT)
In this Zoom webinar, you will hear about five inspiring passengers and crew of the Titanic and the things they did during the crisis. Many lessons can be learned from them today.
Holiday Book Party at The Violet Hour- Chicago
Author reading and book signing
December 10, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
Find a respite from the holiday bustle behind the long and heavy velvet draperies of The Violet Hour. Nestle in for the evening at this fantastic pre-prohibition James Beard Award-winning bar. Sip Edwardian cocktails and visit with me and a man who sparked my interest in Titanic-era drinking and dining: James Beard Award-nominated mixologist Toby Maloney. Toby and I worked on the Wine Enthusiast article that caught the attention of a book publisher and shaped the framework for The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining & Style. Toby and I will share our favorite ideas for how to enliven your bar and throw your holiday parties in Downton Abbey-style! Personalized books will be available for purchase.
Reading and Panel Discussion
October 19, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
Culinary Historians of Chicago
Location: Bethany Retirement Community, Chicago
Acclaimed pastry chef Gale Gand contributed recipes for delectable Eclairs with Chocolate Ganache and lovely Apple Meringue in “The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining & Style” (Regnery History, 2019). Gale will be part of a celebration of fall foods from menus from the Titanic on Saturday October 19 at 10 a.m. as the Culinary Historians of Chicago study fall foods from menus from the Titanic. Gale will talk about the simplicity, seasonality and elegance of Apple Meringue, chocolate ganache and other Edwardian delights that were aboard the Titanic. Get inspired to entertain in “Downton Abbey” style! Bethany Retirement Community, CHICAGO.
Titanic Cocktail Party, Re-enactments & Author Talk
September 21, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
A.L. Ringling Mansion, Baraboo, Wisconsin
Mingle in the storied home of A.L. Ringling (yes, one of the “Ringling Bros.”) with actors in costume who portray real Titanic crew members and passengers! Sip cocktails and hear about the people who inspire us to this day in how they faced unthinkable tragedy. Titanic canapes and other refreshments will be served.
Artrageous Weekend: Author Meet & Greet; Tasting of Titanic Cheeses at Wisconsin’s oldest bookstore- Janke Bookstore
September 7, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
I am so happy to be participating in Wausau’s long-running & beloved festival “Artrageous Weekend” in Wisconsin’s oldest bookstore- Janke Bookstore, which is celebrating 100 years. Stop in and say hello on your stroll through the fabulous artist tents! We will sample some of the cheeses that were on the lunch menu every day in First Class on the Titanic.
Panel Discussion; Edwardian Cocktail Party & Titanic Menu Tasting
July 22, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
Drift back in time in a special space where many of the phenomenal Edwardian hats that were worn aboard the Titanic were likely made- in the former Gage Millinery, which is not a sumptuous restaurant with modern first class cuisine.
Astra Burka, Toronto Filmmaker, Great-niece of First Class survivor Adolphe Saalfeld– his letter home about his first lunch aboard the Titanic provided terrific insights; his perfume samples were recently found at the Titanic wreck site & they have been replicated. Christopher Gawronski, Executive Chef, Gage Hospitality Group; Executive Chef Michael Lachowicz (George Trois; Aboyer; and Silencieux Winnetka, IL); Jeffrey Pogash, The Cocktail Guru Edwardian entertaining expertise, sponsorship
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: Jeffrey Pogash, representing The Cocktail Guru, Inc. will prepare two drinks that were served on the Titanic and a third in tribute to John Jacob Astor IV, who created The St. Regis Hotel in New York City in 1904, home of the iconic Bloody Mary. Col. Astor perished on the Titanic, but he managed to save his pregnant wife by placing her in a lifeboat. On August 14, 1912, she gave birth to John Jacob Astor VI, known as ” Jakey”, who lived to be 79 years old.
The MARGUERITE Cocktail was the first DRY Martini, made with white French dry vermouth, rather than the traditional sweet red Italian vermouth that was more prominent at the time. We are using the deliciously complex, juniper forward SCAPEGRACE Gin from Rogue Society Distilling Co. in New Zealand, winner of the ‘Best Gin i The World’ at the 2018 International Spirits Competition in London, placing FIRST in a field of 600 gins.
ROMAN PUNCH was served as a palate cleanser at most High Society grand dinners in the19th century. The exceptionally smooth, Triple Distilled KNAPPOGUE CASTLE Irish whiskey is the perfect spirit for this interlude, a fine tribute to RMS Titanic, as the ship was built in Belfast.
BLOODY MARY was perfected at King Cole Bar in The St. Regis Hotel in the 1930′ s by Fernand Petiot who was trained at Harry’s Bar in Paris. This is the drink that helped establish vodka as a “reputable” spirit, sealing its popularity and propelling it into the annals of cocktail history. VAN GOGH Vodka from Holland is very smooth blending perfectly to provide a flavorful “kick” to this classic.
Panel Discussion; Edwardian Cocktail Party & Titanic Menu Tasting
April 15, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
TASTE & SEE:
The luxurious dining aboard the Titanic was like no other ship of its day. Transport your senses to the first-class dining saloon by sampling a few of the hors d’oeuvres and drinks served over a century ago. A trend-setter during the Titanic-era, the historic Delmonico’s Restaurant will be serving up samplings of authentic dishes that will bring the lost world of Edwardian sophistication back to life.
LISTEN & LEARN:
Drift back in time and delve into the history of NYC’s and Delmonico’s incredible ties to this iconic ship as Titanic historian and expert food writer Veronica Hinke shares little-known and inspiring stories about the people, places, and dining connecting the Big Apple to the “Unsinkable Ship.” She will weave true, firsthand stories from passengers between examples of unprecedented luxury that will touch your heart and delight your senses.
PANELISTS:
Astra Burka, Toronto Filmmaker, Great-niece of First Class survivor Adolphe Saalfeld– his letter home about his first lunch aboard the Titanic provided terrific insights; his perfume samples were recently found at the Titanic wreck site & they have been replicated. Jeffrey Pogash, The Cocktail Guru Edwardian entertaining expertise, sponsorship
DELMONICO’S & TITANIC:
Delmonico’s is a feature of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, & Style. At the time the Titanic sailed, its innovative style was setting major social trends that would shape the future for decades to come.
Author Presentation & Titanic Menu Tasting
April 7, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
Sawmill Brewing Company, Merrill, Wisconsin
Something from Merrill was found at the Titanic wreck site, what was it? What kind of beer were they drinking on the Titanic? Who was Popcorn Dan? What was he doing aboard the Titanic? Who was he going to see when the ship docked in Brooklyn, NY? Find all this out and more on Sunday at the Sawmill Brewing Company (1110 E. 10th Street, Merrill) beginning at 2 p.m. Step back in time over 100 years ago, to learn about Dan “Popcorn Dan” Coxon, It was Sunday night, April 14, 1912, one man was on his way home to Merrill aboard the world’s most incredible & ill-fated ship ever.
Books will be available for purchase thanks to Janke Bookstore– Wisconsin’s oldest bookstore!
BOOK LAUNCH! Author Presentation & Titanic Menu Tasting
April 6, 2019 (PAST EVENT)
Timekeeper Distillery, Wausau, Wisconsin
“Popcorn Dan” (Dan Coxon) would have passed through this historic train depot on his way from Merrill to England- the trip that ended with his voyage aboard the Titanic. This presentation will feature Central Wisconsin ties to the world’s most luminous – & ill-fated ship. Launch of the book The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, & Style. Titanic-era refreshments. Author Presentation and Q&A. Champagne Punch and Clover Club and other Edwardian cocktails! Asparagus bites, spring pea soup, chocolate eclairs and other Titanic menu items.
Books will be available for purchase thanks to Janke Bookstore– Wisconsin’s oldest bookstore!