In the Name of the King
It's a treasure trove. It's a collection of etymologies of words derived from names.
Thou Improper, Thou Uncommon Noun compiled by Willard R. Espy.
Chicken à la KingThere is a whole chapter of gastronomic words recorded by Espy, structured round what Brillat-Savarin might eat at a meal. Worth a peek to find the person behind madeleines: Madeleine Paulmier.
Chicken à la king is an odd corruption. According to Claridge's Hotel in London, it was invented by its chef to honor J.R. Keene, whose horse had won the Grand Prix in 1881. Others say that Keene's son Foxhall, who called himself the "world's greatest amateur athlete," suggested the dish — diced chicken in a sherry-cream sauce — to the chef at Delmonico's in New York. When the Keenes vanished from the public eye, their name vanished also; chicken à la Keene became chicken à la king.
And so for day 1731
09.09.2011
