Atlanta Thrift Finds # 2~ In the Kennedy Style

 In the Kennedy Style - Magical Evenings in the Kennedy White House, published in 1998.The book was co-authored by Letitia Baldridge, Jackie Kennedy's social secretary and Rene Verdon, the White House chef hired by Mrs. Kennedy in 1961. Chef Verdon is credited with taking the food served at the White House to a new level, as the previous meals were prepared by caterers or Navy stewards.

There are only 35 recipes in the book taken from five actual menus served during the administration. The menus include a Moonlight Dinner at Mt. Vernon, Pablo Casals' cello performance at the White House, a banquet for Noel Laureates and Verdon's first task - a luncheon for  Princess Grace and Prince Ranier of Monaco (he served soft shell crabs and a lamb dish).

For Letitia's contribution, there are numerous seldom seen photos of the Kennedys at home in the White House, memorabilia and personal recollections. The book is also an autographed copy, signed by Ms Baldridge.

Chef Verdon continued on as chef after the Kennedy assassination, but quit when he was tasked with making a cold garbanzo bean puree (which he detested regardless of temperature) for the Johnsons.