By Staff Writer: Jerri Clewis
The Titanic made headlines before its maiden voyage for its revolutionary take on travel across the Atlantic and later for its unfortunate fate. Many of the luxurious cruise liner’s artifacts have been lost to the icy waters or to the flow of time, but remnants of its menu have survived and provide insight into the ship’s final days.
The Titanic wasn’t only opulent in design but also in its treatment of its passengers. Third-class passengers were offered hearty British meals including a tea option with cold meat, cheese, and stewed figs and rice. Supper listed more basic fare such as gruel, biscuits, and cheese.
The third-class menus were printed daily on postcards. This was part of The White Star Line’s marketing ploy because it let passengers send messages home to loved ones with an advertisement in the form of a desirable menu, according to Titanic Belfast. Kosher food was also provided upon request for the large Jewish population that used White Star Line.
The first-class and second-class passengers had luxurious food options, and they could also pay a visit to the Titanic’s restaurant, which had service and cuisine like the finest European hotels of the time. First-class passengers enjoyed rich French dishes such as Filet Mignons Lili, Pate de Foie Gras, and French ice cream. Quaker Oats, established in 1901, also appeared on the menu, adding a breakfast choice alongside Baked Apples.
Menus for the first-class and second-class breakfasts on April 14 have not survived, but other menus for the four days of sailing have been rescued and continue to attract attention. A first-class luncheon menu for April 14, 1912, went up for auction in 2015 and sold for $88,000,
according to Time Magazine. Similarly, the menu for the last first-class dinner sold for $118,750 in Texas that same year, The Guardian reported.