The Oriental Hotel

The Oriental Hotel Lobby 1800's

Photo from Elwood Jones, Trent Valley Archives

During the years between 1890 and 1920, Peterborough hosted several banquets to honour distinguished people who were moving to Winnipeg and elsewhere to share the wisdom of Peterborough. The Hon. George A. Cox who had recently become a Senator was honoured in December 1896 with an impressive banquet at the Oriental Hotel.

Peterborough Banquet for the Hon. George A. Cox, Senator 17 December 1896 Oriental Hotel, Peterborough MENU

ROAST Sirloin of Beef au Jus Goose and Apple Marmalade Young Turkey (dressed), Cranberry Sauce Domestic Duck, Red Currant Jelly “What say you to a piece of beef and mustard” – Taming of the Shrew

GAME Haunch of Bear, Grape Jelly Roast Loin of Venison, Port Wine Sauce Golden Plover, Black Currant Jelly Imperial Punch, Claret “Let’s serve him as a dish fit for the Gods, Not hew him as a carcass” – Julius Caesar

VEGETABLES Boiled Potatoes, Mashed Turnips Petite Pois a l’ Anglaise Succotash. Escalloped Tomatoes “The common growth of Mother earth suffices me” - Wordsworth

SALADS Lobster, Chicken, Fresh Shrimp, Mayonnaise “Of five evils, the less is always to be chosen” – Thomas A. Kempis

PASTRY Plum Pudding (hard) and Brandy Sauce Lemon Meringue Pudding, Wine Cream Apple Pie, Mince Pie, Peach Tart, Washington Cream Tart “To give satiety a fresh appetite” – Othello

DESSERT Elderwine Jelly, Jamaica Rum Jelly, Charlotte Rum Decorse, Assorted Cake, Pineapple Trifle, Whipped Cream “Can one desire too much of a good thing” – As you like it Fraise, Cheese, Crackers, Tea, Coffee, Milk Serenely full, the epicure would say, “Fate cannot harm me, I have dined to-day” – Sidney Smith