VERONICA HINKE
author • speaker • journalist
Specializing in food history and culinary narratives
Events
I’d love to meet with you soon during one of my interpretive culinary programs!
I love meeting new people and sharing my passion for food history, culinary narratives and deeper discussions around my books. My speaker events and book sigings are a great fit for:
- Libraries
- Historical Societies
- Senior Centers
- Book Stores
- Fundraising Events
- Book Clubs
- Writing Groups
- …and much more!
Let’s brainstorm how we can create a FABULOUS event for you!
Fall 2026 Book Tour
EDGAR ALLAN POE: Learn about Edgar Allan Poe and the distinct Antebellum period in American literature while enjoying an elegantly ghoulish culinary journey through the literary world of Poe. Explore “Forest Reverie,” “Island of The Fay,” and more.
THE GREAT GATSBY: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, stepping into the culinary world of the roaring 20s. Savor the flavors of a bygone era while studying the world of flappers, speakeasies, and extravagant soirées.
WIZARDING WORLD WORKSHOP: Learn about the magic of traditional British afternoon tea through the lens of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. Get ideas for hosting your own Wizarding World-themed high tea, as well as how to make many other classic tea-time recipes. Learn teas, herbs, potions, and more!
Past Events
Spring 2026 Book Tour
HARRY POTTER: Learn about the magic of traditional British afternoon tea through the lens of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. Get ideas for hosting your own Wizarding World-themed high tea, as well as how to make many other classic tea-time recipes. Learn teas, herbs, potions, and more!
THE GREAT GATSBY: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, stepping into the culinary world of the roaring 20s. Savor the flavors of a bygone era while studying the world of flappers, speakeasies, and extravagant soirées.
TITANIC: Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class.
250 YEARS OF TEA IN AMERICA: Explore the history of tea in America, looking at tea traditions and tea-time recipes from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Prohibition eras. #America250
Fall 2025 Book Tour
EDGAR ALLAN POE: Learn about Edgar Allan Poe and the distinct Antebellum period in American literature while enjoying an elegantly ghoulish culinary journey through the literary world of Poe. Explore “Forest Reverie,” “Island of The Fay,” and more.
WIZARDING WORLD WORKSHOP: Explore the magic of a traditional British tea inspired by the Wizarding World. Get ideas for hosting your own Wizarding World-themed high tea, as well as how to make many other classic tea-time recipes.
THE GREAT GATSBY: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, stepping into the culinary world of the roaring 20s. Savor the flavors of a bygone era while studying the world of flappers, speakeasies, and extravagant soirées.
TITANIC: Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class.
Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey
Tasting and Slide Presentation
Aram Public Library- Location to be announced soon
May 16 1 to 2 p.m.
Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home, describing the elaborate lunch feasts and other delicacies. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class. How were they different? What items are still enjoyed today, and what items raise eyebrows today? The foods passengers and crew members ate are glimpses into the past. They are footnotes in history that provide insight into how people lived and experienced life during a distinct period in time known as the Edwardian era. Hear stories of Wisconsin residents who were aboard the Titanic, like Daniel (“Popcorn Dan”) Coxon, and more. Throughout the presentation, nibble on seasonal foods that Titanic passengers ate, including the assorted cheeses that were offered on the first class luncheon buffet each day. Books will be available for purchase.
Photo: Waterbury Publications
Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey
Tasting and Slide Presentation
May 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
1011 Nichols Road, Monona, WI 53716
Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home, describing the elaborate lunch feasts and other delicacies. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class. How were they different? What items are still enjoyed today, and what items raise eyebrows today? The foods passengers and crew members ate are glimpses into the past. They are footnotes in history that provide insight into how people lived and experienced life during a distinct period in time known as the Edwardian era. Hear stories of Wisconsin residents who were aboard the Titanic, like Daniel (“Popcorn Dan”) Coxon, and more. Throughout the presentation, nibble on seasonal foods that Titanic passengers ate, including the assorted cheeses that were offered on the first class luncheon buffet each day. Books will be available for purchase.
Photo: Waterbury Publications
Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey
Tasting and Slide Presentation
May 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
105 Perimeter Road, Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home, describing the elaborate lunch feasts and other delicacies. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class. How were they different? What items are still enjoyed today, and what items raise eyebrows today? The foods passengers and crew members ate are glimpses into the past. They are footnotes in history that provide insight into how people lived and experienced life during a distinct period in time known as the Edwardian era. Hear stories of Wisconsin residents who were aboard the Titanic, like Daniel (“Popcorn Dan”) Coxon, and more. Throughout the presentation, nibble on seasonal foods that Titanic passengers ate, including the assorted cheeses that were offered on the first class luncheon buffet each day. Books will be available for purchase.
Photo: Waterbury Publications
The Great Gatsby 100th Anniversary: A culinary journey into the decadence and sophistication of the Jazz Age
Tasting and Slide Presentation
April 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
500 Silent St., Verona, WI 53593
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby (April 10), stepping into the culinary world of the roaring 20s. With the Jazz Age as a backdrop author Veronica Hinke will take us through the dishes and drinks that graced the tables of Jay Gatsby’s lavish parties. Savor the flavors of a bygone era while studying the world of flappers, speakeasies, and extravagant soirées. Throughout the program, nibble on finger sandwiches, lemon cake, and other foods Gatsby served Daisy at afternoon tea in Nick’s cottage.
Veronica Hinke is author of The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining & Style; Titanic: The Official Cookbook; Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic; and The Great Gatsby Cooking and Entertaining.
Photo: Waterbury Publications
The Great Gatsby 100th Anniversary: Roaring 20s Cooking Class
April 14, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
703 N 3rd Ave., Wausau, WI 54401
Photo: Waterbury Publications
Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey
Tasting and Slide Presentation
Wilmington Public Library District
April 12, 1 to 3 p.m.
201 S. Kankakee St., Wilmington, IL 60481
Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home, describing the elaborate lunch feasts and other delicacies. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class. How were they different? What items are still enjoyed today, and what items raise eyebrows today? The foods passengers and crew members ate are glimpses into the past. They are footnotes in history that provide insight into how people lived and experienced life during a distinct period in time known as the Edwardian era. Hear stories of Illinois residents who were aboard the Titanic, like missionaries Phil and Sylvia Caldwell of Bloomington, and more. Throughout the presentation, nibble on seasonal foods that Titanic passengers ate, including the assorted cheeses that were offered on the first class luncheon buffet each day. Books will be available for purchase.
Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey
Tasting and Slide Presentation
April 5, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
S73 W 16663 W Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI 53150
Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home, describing the elaborate lunch feasts and other delicacies. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class. How were they different? What items are still enjoyed today, and what items raise eyebrows today? The foods passengers and crew members ate are glimpses into the past. They are footnotes in history that provide insight into how people lived and experienced life during a distinct period in time known as the Edwardian era. Hear stories of Wisconsin residents who were aboard the Titanic, like Daniel (“Popcorn Dan”) Coxon, and more. Throughout the presentation, nibble on seasonal foods that Titanic passengers ate, including the assorted cheeses that were offered on the first class luncheon buffet each day. Books will be available for purchase.
Photo: Waterbury Publications
Beyond The Page: Dane County Library Series: “Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey Through Ingredients and Recipes of The World’s Most Illustrious Passenger Ship.”
I’m so pleased and honored to share that on Sat, Oct 12 at 10 a.m. in Belleville, Wisconsin, I’ll kick off a new series of Titanic programming that will be funded by the endowment “Beyond The Page.” At 6 Dane County libraries, I will present the 1-hour program “Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey Through Ingredients and Recipes of The World’s Most Illustrious Passenger Ship.” Here is the full schedule!
Saturday, Oct 12 (PAST EVENT)
Belleville: https://tinyurl.com/59wj7ny9 10-11 a.m.
Black Earth: https://tinyurl.com/yc2sry48 12-1 p.m.
Verona: https://tinyurl.com/y97fmdcc 3-4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 26 (PAST EVENT)
Fitchburg: https://tinyurl.com/yc4kku3s 10:30-11:30 a.m.
McFarland: https://tinyurl.com/5n7bdm5j 1-2 p.m.
Stoughton: https://tinyurl.com/35uwv4wp 3-4 p.m.
Beyond the Page supports Dane County public libraries by connecting and engaging communities through programs that celebrate our individual and collective human experiences. Beyond the Page is an endowment which funds free humanities programs at Dane County libraries.
Cooking Class: Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic
Grebe’s Chef Center, Wausau, WI
October 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Recipes from my new book: Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic: Official Snacks, Sips, and Sweets Inspired by the Wizarding World
Menu: (Students 11-14 will have hands-on experiences making these fun, festive, and delicious tea-time treats)
- Professor McGonagall’s Transfigurational Sticky Toffee Pudding Bites (Pictured left)
- Deathly Hallows Pull-Apart Bread
- Bowtruckle Island Butter Board
- Professor Snape’s Blueberry-Sage Spritzer
Call Grebe’s at 715-675-2341 or visit the Chef’s Center to secure your spot!
Class Type: Hands-on
Photo: Waterbury Publications
Trivia Contest: Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic
Timekeeper Distillery, 720 Grant St., Wausau, Wisconsin 54403
June 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Celebrate the magic of Harry Potter with me at one of the most magical places in the world: Timekeeper Distillery! If you watched 60 Minutes in the 1970s and 1980s, you will recognize this very special train station: It was featured every Sunday night for decades in the Wausau Insurance commercials! Now, it is a family-owned and operated artisan distillery. It’s also a fabulous restaurant. For years, it was one of the only places where you could get a Clover Club cocktail. There will be food and drinks from my new book: Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic! Books will be available for purchase thanks to Janke Book Store– Wisconsin’s oldest book store and one of the oldest book stores in the world (1919)! Hope to see you!
Photo: Jane Janke Johnson
Titanic Movie Screening with Author Reading
T.B. Scott Free Library, 106 1st St, Merrill, WI 54452
April 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Movie: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Author Reading: “Merrill Ties To The Titanic: 12 to 12:45 p.m.
Movie: 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Mark the 112th anniversary of the most storied steamship in the history of the world! With friends and neighbors, experience one of the most beloved movies of all time: James Cameron’s incredible classic, Titanic!
Nibble on traditional English finger foods that were served in first class at tea time.
Learn about the incredible Titanic ties to Merrill and the story of the third class passenger who called Merrill home. Did he survive? What telling items with links to Merrill were revealed – and recovered intact – on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean?
Photo and Food Styling: Waterbury Publications, Weldon Owen
Book Release: Celebrating the Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition of Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic
Barnes & Noble , Fox River Commons, 4705 W Grande Market Drive, Appleton, WI 54913
May 18 1 to 2 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Book Release: Celebrating the Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition of Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic
Barnes & Noble, 95 N Moorland Rd Unit C – 1, Brookfield, WI 53005
May 11, 1 to 3 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Book Release: Celebrating the Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition of Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Magic
Barnes and Noble, 7433 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717
May 4, 1 to 3 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Cooking Demonstration: Welsh Rarebit Sliders (The Elise Lurette Story)
October 29, 1 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
First-class passenger Elise Lurette survived the sinking pf the great liner Titanic. In her pocket was the April 12 first-class lunch menu. She had crossed off Welsh Rarebit and Eggs Omar Pacha.
I will demonstrate Welsh Rarebit from my new book, Titanic: The Official Cookbook. Cook along with me from home! Recipe and registration information is online, here, or send me an email!
Author Booksigning Event
October 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Thank you to the Barnes & Noble Wausau team for all that they are doing to organize and host this very fun and special gathering of local book authors. It is so important that we support keeping local stories alive. Please stop in and say hi as you are in the area getting your holiday shopping underway!
Cooking Class: Timeless Titanic Appetizers
Grebe’s Chef Center, Wausau, WI
October 12, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (PAST EVENT)
Recipes from my new book: Titanic: The
Official Cookbook: 40 Timeless Recipes for Every Occasion.
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
Drinking, Dining, and Style aboard The Titanic (PAST EVENT)
April 14 and 21, 1-2 p.m., Central time (PAST EVENT)
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. (PAST EVENT)
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 and 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 – and most 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!