[.ca] Lunch with Lady Eaton: Inside the Dining Rooms of a Nation (ISBN 1550226509)

History, Recipies and Memories:
Eaton's was a huge part of many Canadians lives, including my own. This book is the perfect companion for any of us who once dined in one of Eaton's many restaurants. Included in the book is a history of Eaton's food services, with a particular emphasis on the role of Lady Eaton. The book is full of pictures (both colour and b/w) and provides a trip down nastalga lane. Included at the end of the book are a couple dozen recipies straight from Eaton's Kitchens (of course they've been modified for home purposes...you might not want a recipie for 30 pies!) Many old time favourites are included such as chicken pot pie, cheese dreams, red velvet cake and my favourite, Lady Eaton's Special Order Oatmeal Cookies. This books makes a particularly good gift. Anyone who remembers a time when hats were worn to lunch will love this fantastic look at Canadiana.

This is not just a book about ladies who lunch:
This book is great. Under the personal supervision of Lady Eaton, the T. Eaton Co. department stores in their day featured some of the best restaurants in Canada: The Round Room, the Georgian Room, the 9e, the Grill Room, etc. Lunch With Lady Eaton is more than just the story of these restaurants -- it is a glimpse into the inner workings of an incredible (now gone) Canadian institution, Eaton's, which dominated retail, economic and social life in Canada for years. The book is well written, with great photographs. Anyone interested in Canadian history and/or architecture (the College Street Seventh Floor in Toronto and the 9e in Montreal, both designed by Jacques and Natasha Carlu, are landmarks) should read this book. It is about so much more than lunches and food!