Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1896 — Still Kept Up. [ARTICLE]

Still Kept Up.

A queer custom which prevails at no other court than that of Great Britain, is the announcement at the beginning of each course at a dinner of the name of the cook who has prepared the dishes served. The origin of this custom dates back to the reign of King George 11., who made a great favorite of one of his cooks, promoting him to the rank of chief over the heads of all his seniors. This, of course, created great jealousy, and every effort was made to oust him from the royal favor by rendering him responsible for the failures which were laid upon the king's table. Greatly incensed thereby and fearing to lose his post, he complained to the king in person, who immediately gave orders that henceforth, whenever a dish was placed before him. the name of the cook responsible for its success or failure should be announced in an audible tone.