Any meal at the front was an exercise in war-time…
““Any meal at the front was an exercise in war-time ingenuity and devotion of the lower classes for their officers. The Petite Marmite a la Thermit was from beef-broth cubes, the tinned Canadian salmon was called Saumon de Tin A & Q Sauce. The Epaule d'Agneau Wellington, N.Z. was army ration lamb, and the terrine of foie gras aux truffes was a can of foie gras that I had bought from the French commanding general. There was a salad of fresh lettuce from somewhere (no one asked in what or whose fertilizer it had been grown in since we would all soon be dead anyway) and the Macedoine de Fruits a la Quatre Bas was a can of mixed fruit. Then fresh strawberries soaked in Cognac. All the usual wines starting with an amontillado, Pommery Extra Sec, Chateau Steenworde Claret, Graham's Five Crowns Port, Bisquit Dubouche Grande Champagne Cognac, Brandy and a Waterloo Cup.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even in dire wartime conditions, elaborate meals and fine wines illustrate humanity’s desire for comfort and normalcy.
In simple terms: People seek luxury and ritual even amid hardship.
Key Takeaway
Find moments of pleasure, however small, in tough times.
Themes
war
food
luxury
comfort
ritual
humanity
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
critical
Type
Fitness:0
Food:1
Religion:0
Wine:1
Foie Gras:1
Army Ration:1
French Commanding:0
Bought French:0
Soaked Cognac:0
When to use this quote
- military camps
- field rations
- celebrations
- social gatherings
- morale building
Key Concepts
cultural history
psychology of comfort
culinary arts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does food affect morale?
- What comforts do you seek?
A Different Perspective
Excess can be wasteful in scarcity.