Foie gras, oysters, cognacs, cigars - what did Winston Churchill indulge himself with during the war
We all know about the historical role of this or that figure, about his actions and even his personal life. But as a rule, we don't know much about the culinary preferences of politicians and heroes. What dishes did Winston Churchill prefer — one of the most important players in the world political arena of the mid-20th century, at a time when half of the planet was engulfed by World War II?
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill — that was the name of a man whose country, one of the few, withstood the infernal meat grinder of the most terrible war of the millennium.
In 2002, this politician was recognized as the greatest Briton in history, and no one could object to this. But what was served on the table to this man when he made fateful decisions for his country?
It turns out that Winston Churchill was a big fan of delicious food, sweet sleep and a drink in the mood. Being the hereditary Duke of Marlborough, that is, a native of an old aristocratic family, the politician has never changed the preferences peculiar to his titled ancestors.
Here Churchill was a little cunning, as he preferred more complex and refined dishes than banal peas washed down with elite alcohol. For the Prime Minister of Great Britain, any meal was a real ritual, so intimate that there was no place even for his beloved wife. They say that in his old age, Churchill recalled a couple of cases in 40 years of marriage when his wife was at dinner, but, according to the politician, he did not like such an experience.
The head of the British government preferred to start his breakfast with melon, followed by an omelet or a simple scrambled egg with bacon. But it was only a warm—up - the main program of the morning meal included fried chicken or a good chop. After the meat dishes, coffee with cream was served, which Churchill drank with toast and jam.
Having had breakfast in this way, Sir Winston would go... no, not to the office or to the tank factory with a fiery speech. He retired to his bedroom, where he indulged in a sound sleep for about an hour. Only after a morning rest did the politician begin state affairs of urgent importance.
In the interval between breakfast and lunch, Churchill, not neglecting the age-old foundations, arranged a late breakfast. In this meal, the Duke of Marlborough was accompanied by oysters, to which he became addicted during his stay in France. After the shellfish, under the mood, the minister could demand Savoy soup with potatoes or baked salmon.
Winston Churchill preferred to have a big lunch. Roast venison, foie gras, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, truffle sauce — Gargantua himself could envy the appetite of the British political leader. Cheeses were not forgotten either — Swiss gruer was in high esteem, and English Stilton was a favorite addition to the meal. Of alcoholic beverages, port wine was certainly present at lunch. However, sometimes, when he was not in the mood, the minister refused lunch and modestly asked to bring him a jar of sardines. Large.
Such dense lunch traffic did not mean that dessert was canceled at all. The politician demanded a portion of ice cream or eclair, which he washed down with strong coffee from the brand. After lunch, the obligatory cigar followed, after which Churchill plunged back into work.
Contemporaries recall that the great politician had a weakness for a good table setting and could refuse to eat the dish for obvious reasons alone. In particular, there is a case when Sir Winston ordered a pudding to be taken back to the kitchen, in which, according to him, "there was no music."
Dinner began with a modest meat broth, after which a solid sandwich with champagne was eaten with an appetite. Interestingly, being a selfless fan of meat dishes, Churchill was upset when cattle were slaughtered on his farm.
The famous politician had a special, complicated relationship with alcohol. There were rumors that Churchill could drink cognac without stopping. However, there is not a single fact confirming the prime minister's morbid addiction to alcohol — a glass of cognac and a cigar were simply part of Sir Winston's image, which, in his opinion, made him closer to the people.
Confirmation of this is the case that occurred in 1947. Churchill underwent surgery to remove a hernia, and doctors forbade him to smoke. Despite the fact that the prime minister followed the instructions of the doctors, before each performance he lit a cigar so as not to disappoint the audience.
It should be especially noted that despite the lack of diets, alcohol, smoking and complete disregard for sports, Sir Winston Churchill lived to a ripe old age, retaining a clear mind and cheerfulness. The politician died at the age of 91, in 1965, having outlived all the heads of state who participated in the war.