TIPPLE AND SNACK
clergy did not neglect their kitchens. The rich
mayonnaise we are enjoying on these crisp lettuce
leaves we owe to Richelieu. And did not Madame
de Pompadour persuade Louis XV to grant the
order of Saint Esprit to her cooks? After that, the
celebrated ribbon was thus awarded many times.
And today we can pay no higher tribute to the
cuisinier than to say he is a veritable Cordon Bleu
... like yourself."
"Mille remerciements, mon ami, mais comment
done . . . how do you know them to have so much
eloquence?"
"C'est my business."
"Comment?"
"It's my business. For the past five years I have
been the head cook at the Plaza."
[ 7]