Mother Lode of Cookbooks #3 ~ Rector's Naughty 90's Cook Book and Luchow's German Cookbook

Rector's Naughty 90's Cook Book, published in 1949.  Over 400+ tantalizing recipes (most were previously unpublished) from The Griffin restaurant in New York City. The Griffin opened in 1899 and operated through 1911, its proprietors were Charles Rector as well as his son George. The restaurant was enormous with 175 tables for patrons when it opened.  The recipes reflect the lavish lifestyle of the Gay 90's and Gilded Age. The dishes echo the refined palates of the time with lobster a featured ingredient in many of the seafood recipes, as well as many French inspired entrées and desserts. Besides recipes, there is a chapter on wines with information on which glass to serve a particular varietal and the best dishes to accompany each.

At the beginning of each chapter, there is a short biography and photograph of  a famous patron followed by a recipe inspired by the person. Some of the celebrities include Lillian Russell, Diamond Jim Brady, Lillie Langtry and Ethel Barrymore.

I found two recipes to add to my repertoire, a simple Bouillabaisse  and a yummy Oyster stuffing - just in time for the holidays!

Luchow's German Cookbook, published in 1965. Luchow's was established in 1882 in New York City and remained in operation for over a century, eventually closing in 1986. The cuisine was German in nature and attracted many a famous person throughout the restaurant's storied history. The first chapter focuses on the history of the restaurant and its founder August Luchow, an immigrant from Hanover, Germany. There are also notes on the decor and various rooms located in the block long establishment.  All the recipes reflect the German dishes the restaurant was renown for serving from appetizers, entrees and desserts. 

The illustrations throughout the book were drawn by Ludwig Bemelamns, of the "Madeline" book series. I LOVED the "Madeline" books while growing up and even named one of  my cats after the title character as she was "the smallest one" of her litter! The book was a Christmas gift to the former owner in 1970 from Duane to celebrate their first dining experience at the restaurant.