Famous Feasts in History A Petit Souper for Louis XV

About the famous feasts a petit souper for French king Louis XV, history, menu, and description.

FABULOUS FEASTS THROUGHOUT HISTORY

The Occasion: A petit souper for Louis XV, France, C. 1750.

The Hostess: Madame Pompadour, Louis's mistress.

The Menu: The food, though exquisitely served and prepared, was secondary to the charms of the hostess.

Table Talk: After each course the table descended through an opening in the floor to the kitchen below, where it was set again before being raised. This was done so that the guests might be spared "the importunate glances" of palace servants, and so that they would be "free of embarrassment and need not blush on being caught unawares" at this love feast.