GREAT GATSBY INSPIRED DINNER TO CELEBRATE SEELBACH’S 105TH ANNIVERSARY
The Seelbach Hotel will celebrate its 105th Anniversary on Thursday July 15, from 5-10 p.m., with a Great Gatsby-inspired dinner in The Oakroom. To honor its opening year, 1905, the special three-course dinner will be $19.05 per person.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of the novel, The Great Gatsby, became aware of the Seelbach when he was an Army officer trainee at Camp Taylor in Louisville during World War I. Fitzgerald based the character Jay Gatsby on gangster George Remus, who he met at The Seelbach. Fitzgerald also chose The Seelbach’s Grand Ballroom as the backdrop for wedding reception of Great Gatsby characters Tom and Daisy Buchanan.
Chef de Cuisine Bobby Benjamin developed the Great Gatsby inspired menu based on his research of American cuisine. With cooking wines and spirits virtually non-existent, Prohibition had a devastating effect on fine dining, particularly at hotels. Many restaurants closed. Talented chefs who survived found flavor using sweet fruits and vegetables as well as artificially flavored brandy, sherry and rum extracts. Hotel dining rooms also made up for lost revenue by turning fine dining rooms into tea rooms and by satisfying the nation’s sweet tooth with new and creative desserts.
Here is the $19.05 menu for the Great Gatsby inspired Seelbach 105th Anniversary Dinner. Alcohol and gratuities are not included.
First Course
BABY BIBB LETTUCE
Toasted almond, red grapes, crumbled blue cheese, mustard dressing.
Second Course
DUCK CONFIT
Puff pastry, mixed heirloom carrots, spring peas, mushroom duxelle
Third Course
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN
Rice pudding, nut loaf, chocolate cherry
Reservations can be made by calling The Seelbach’s Oakroom at 502-807-DINE at or by visiting http://www.theoakroomlouisville.com
Wow! 