Titanic Sails Again!

 

My dearest daughter Eleanor,

A glorious time with dear friends as we celebrated another "Last First Class Dinner on the Titanic," October 2, 2021. The fact that the date coincided with the Captain's birthday made the event even more splendid with revelry. You would have so enjoyed the evening yet I know you have so much to plan for your upcoming nuptials with your beloved Fitz. 

Guests included the Astors (Madeleine looked stunning dispite her delicate condition and the Colonel looked relaxed and dashing as always - damn him!); Mr. Guggenheim with his "partner", the lovely and talented Mme Leontine Aubart (Ninette is a marvelous conversationalist - I'm just sorry we didn't have the time for her to entertain us with some of her songs, and I must say that old Benjamin was quite entertaining all evening); the Thayers (Marian and I are a fright when we are together - laughing so much you'd think we were in 3rd Class while Mr. Thayer displays tremendous dignified patience at our antics); and last, but certainly not the least, the "unsinkable" Violet Jessop, who provided such tremendous help to the chef and crew. 

The evening was warm and clear so our esteemed travelers began by roaming the Promenade deck, enjoying the views. Dressed to the nines and exhibiting all the glory of First Class life, we all laughed and toasted and told stories of high adventures on land and sea, all the while enjoying 10 courses of the finest cuisine accompanied by exquisite French and American wine and spirits. It was lovely having the musical talents of Mr. Hartley and his musicians nearby although they did tend to play "Nearer My God to Thee" a bit too often.

I am pleased to announce that all parties departed without incident into the early morning hours, satiated both in body and spirit.

My darling girl, your father, brother and I look forward to seeing you soon. Here's a toast to old friends, new friends and a bright future ahead for us all.

Warmly,
Your Mother, Mrs. Eleanor Widener

A 'Grand' Titanic Event Sails Again in 2019!

Hello dear friends,

We are drawn to another Titanic adventure!

Thrilled to have our boarding passes and travel arrangements finalized by our more than efficient staff, we are about to set sail for another "Titanic At The Grand" weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI beginning May 31. The Captain and I will be donning our finest for a weekend filled with history, adventure and excitement.

Be on the lookout (no pun intended) for news and photos as we enjoy an unique step back into time with the passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic!

Would you like to join us? There may still be 1st Class Accommodations available, but don't hesitate: https://www.grandhotel.com/packages/titanic-at-the-grand/

Warmly,
Eleanor Widener

Another Successful "Last 1st Class Dinner" Voyage!

This year's "Last 1st Class Dinner on the Titanic" was indeed monumental! Not only did our "ship" sail on April 14 (albeit 2018), we celebrated our evening with both new and returning guests.

This year's feast featured the return of our dear Violet Jessop, who in her "unsinkable" style, engaged us all with her tales of new theatre adventures. The sociable and regal Col. and Mrs. Astor arrived in grand style despite the torrential rains that evening. Mr. Guggenheim and guest (the beautiful and elegant Mme. Leontine Aubert) were so lovely, full of grace and good hearted humor. Joining us anew was the ever vivacious, Lady Duff-Gordon, dressed to the nines in her basic black and adorned with a luxurious red fur cape which she created only that morning. And rounding out this eclectic group of diners was none other than Major Archibald Willingham DeGraffenreid Clarendon Butt. Who else, but Major Butt, would arrive not only in full white tie but also carrying a vintage, hooded camera!

Oh, the merriment! The meal, far superior to previous attempts, was overwhelming in flavor and volume. Thank goodness for the Punch Romaine and our "7th Inning Stretch" which gave us the opportunity to stand up and let everything settle down.

Stories, jokes, laughter and friendship surrounded the table and filled the room. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to bring together such an unique collection of dear friends. After 7 hours, they all departed to their next destination and the Captain, Violet and I collapsed, happy and exhausted.

God Speed and Good Luck, dear friends and guests! Here's to yet another dinner next year!
Warmly,
~Eleanor and the Captain

Making Plans for Another Culinary Adventure!

April is swiftly arriving in 2018 and we have another incredible Titanic dinner planned.

This year, we will honor the lost and celebrate the survivors with a "Last 1st Class Dinner on the Titanic" on April 14 - ironically, the same date that in 1912, the Titanic hit the iceberg.

We do not anticipate any tragedies, oceanic or culinary, at this year's dinner event. Rather, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of new guests to surround our table and regale us with stories and laughter.

More details to come as we send out invitations and begin the shopping for this amazing dining experience.

Warmly,
~Eleanor

New additions as we close out the year

It's almost the end of the year! As we close out 2017, we are thankful for so many wonderful Titanic adventures.

• We hosted our second First Class Passenger dinner event for a local charity
• Enjoyed the Titanic weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
• Made new friends who share our love for all things Titanic (Hello Justin & Lukas!)
• Recreated several new recipes to great success
• New vintage attire for the Captain and Eleanor
• New books, photos and memorabilia of and from the Titanic
• Additional silverware and glassware to add to our table decor

Check out the new Recipes page! The first posting is for delicious Chicken Lyonnaise, a treat we experienced while sailing this winter into the San Juan Islands of Washington. Despite the tiny galley, we ate like kings! I will be posting many more recipes in the months ahead as we look forward to hosting another dinner event in April 2018 so keep checking back.

Also, we are now posting Titanic Resources. New books and items that hopefully will be of interest to you as Titanic enthusiasts! We hope you will share with us treasures you find as well.

Wishing you all smooth sailing and exceptional dining adventures. See you in 2018!

Warmly,

Eleanor and Captain Smith

Welcome Aboard!

Hello fellow travelers,

Our blog is an opportunity to share our enthusiasm and respect for the luxurious meals aboard the RMS Titanic.

My Captain and I are your hosts. Please join us as we celebrate and recreate the culinary delights that were created on its maiden voyage. Along the way, we will share stories of our own creations, events and friendly adventures.

                                                                    ~ Eleanor Widener