In the 1890s it was considered daring to go to an Italian restaurant and eat spaghetti. The restaurants were not in affluent neighborhoods and some middle-class people worried (largely needlessly) about how clean they were. Non-drinkers didn’t approve of the “red ink” (wine) that came with the spaghetti. Some women felt it was not ladylike [...]
Posts Tagged as ‘bohemians’
July 17, 2008
Joel’s bohemian refreshery
Looking at this 1910-ish postcard of Joel Rinaldo’s place on West 41st Street in New York City, you might be misled into thinking it was an elegant after-theatre spot. It was near Broadway and attracted all kinds of visitors but it was famous as a hangout for artists, writers, heavy drinkers, “hop-heads,” and Mexican revolutionaries. [...]
We eat in restaurants several times a week and yet know very little about their history. I plan to dip into my archive of research and images every so often to present a little tidbit that highlights aspects of our American restaurant culture. Let me know your thoughts.
