BRITSBURGH FESTIVAL - The Lady with the Lamp and the French Celebrity Chef (SOLD OUT)

The Lady with the Lamp and the French Celebrity Chef is a history presentation on the lives of two of nineteenth century Britain's most outstanding personalities: Florence Nightingale, who revolutionized the nursing profession, and Alexis Benoit Soyer, the Victorian era's greatest chef, and their surprising collaboration saving lives during the Crimean War, 1853-1856. We'll explore their personal backgrounds and the traits that enabled them to succeed not only in their respective professions but working together in the Crimea. In the case of Nightingale, this included a spiritual vision, determination, experience and observation, discipline, and a genius for organization and administration. Similarly determined, affable and charismatic with a genius for self-promotion, the ambitious Alexis Soyer rose quickly in his culinary profession, being appointed at just age 27 as chef de cuisine at London's prestigious Reform Club, from where his fame quickly spread. A prolific author of culinary history and cookbooks for all classes of society, Soyer was also a notable innovator and inventor as well as a compassionate humanitarian who organized food relief during the Great Irish Famine of 1847.

The presentation, by Kim Szczypinski of Britsburgh's board and History Society, will examine ways in which both Nightingale and Soyer remain influential today. As a special treat, we'll also enjoy a tasting menu of some of Alexis Soyer's best known dishes, including his signature dish, Lamb Cutlets Reform, authentically recreated by Chef Steven Kightlinger of Pittsburgh's distinguished Allegheny HYP Club.
At the cash bar, you may wish to sample some of the notable cocktails that Soyer invented (Soyer au Champagne - which legend says he served to Queen Victoria), or included in the American Bar - Mint Juleps and Brandy Smashes - at his Symposium of All Nations international-themed restaurant, which operated concurrently (and across the street from) the Great Exhibition of 1851.  

BRITSBURGH MEMBERS LOGIN FOR $40 REGISTRATION. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page. 

For more information, contact Kim Szczypinski of Britsburgh's History Society at kim@britsburgh.com

Alexis Soyer Tasting Menu:

Pearls of the Field (aka Mushrooms Under Glass)

Orange Supremes in Madeira over greens with house pickles

Famine Soup

Minced Veal with Quail Eggs

Lamb Cutlets Reform w/Dauphinoise potatoes and English garden peas

Spotted Dick Pudding

Coffee or Tea

Programme:

• 6:30PM - 7:00 PM   Gathering and Cash Bar 

• 7:00PM - 7:50PM    Alexis Soyer Tasting Menu (served in courses)

• 7:50 PM - 8:40 PM  Presentation by Kim Szczypinski

• 8:40PM - 9:00 PM   Q & A and conversation

Off-street parking is available nearby free of charge after 6:00 P.M. Nearest parking garage is the Mellon Square garage across from the William Penn Hotel and encompassed by Smithfield Street, Oliver Avenue, William Penn Place, and Sixth Avenue with entrances/exits on both Oliver Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Flat rate in the evenings is $6.00.

Tickets: Members $40; Non-members $45

Explore fascinating British-themed topics with the guidance of experts and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow enthusiasts as a member of the Britsburgh Society. Society members enjoy our Arts, Beer, History, Mystery Lovers and Literary and Tea Society events. If you are not already a member, we would like to invite you to consider becoming a Britsburgh Society member. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.

Britsburgh supports COVID-19 Vaccination. Save lives and get vaxxed! For information on how to get yours visit CDC.GOV

COVID-19 policy: Vaccinated people (and those who are medically unable to get one) are most welcome. All event locations will, as a minimum, observe CDC mask and social distancing guidelines. Location partners may choose to restrict events to vaccinated people only and may require masks for all.

THE BRITSBURGH TEAM