Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Capstone Connect.

My selection is "A Feast of Freedom: tasty tidbits from the City Tavern" by Walter Staib and Jennifer Fox with illustrations by Fernando Juarez.

Staib and Fox have found an interesting take on Revolutionary War Events in this chronicle of Philadelphia's City Tavern, built in 1773 as a genteel gathering place for many of that era's most recognizable gentlemen.  Walter Staib, an expert in 18th century cuisine and the current chef at City Tavern, shares stories from this historic landmark covering the years from the opening through a pre-inauguration celebration for George Washington in 1789.  A tricorn-wearing mouse (think Robert Lawson's Ben and Me) shares reactions and narrates City Tavern's role as a meeting place for members of the First Continental Congress, site of a private dinner between Washington and Lafayette, and the tavern's historic relationship with many of the well-known events from the day.   

Juarez's illustrations add depth to the text with paintings that appear to acknowledge colonial artists such as Gilbert Stuart, familiar for his portraits of George Washington, while retaining a modern sensibility.

Hand-drawn maps, a timeline, and a recipe for City Tavern's famous corn bread complete the book.