Soon, the elegantly dressed waiter pushed a copper cart and brought the first course—
a rich red lamb minced wheat soup, and garlic-covered oysters baked to a golden hue.
Mrs. Walsh warmly introduced to her cousin and his wife: "These are the most popular dishes in the Palace of Versailles. The Chorba soup from North Africa, with a slightly spicy flavor. And the ever-popular 'Crown Prince Oysters', truly a gift from Jesus."
The skills of the former Imperial Chef were absolutely impeccable. Brode swallowed a few mouthfuls so eagerly that he nearly forgot basic etiquette, his knife and fork a blur of motion. His wife coughed softly beside him to remind him to mind his manners.
The second course was roast pigeon and Spanish almond puff pastry cream, followed by a dessert of nut-crust chocolate ice cream.
"It's said this is the Crown Prince's favorite dessert; he almost eats three servings every day."
