“Devil in the White City” – Will Fair Food Suffice?
For a book club gathering focused on “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson, please consider creating a spread that captures the essence of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair which is the setting of this historical thriller. This book, with its dual narrative of architectural innovation and dark intrigue, offers the odd combination of era-inspired dishes that echo both the opulence of the fair and the gritty edge of H.H. Holmes’ Chicago – there are so many directions to go here!
1. Vintage – Savory Selections
You could start with hors d’oeuvres reminiscent of what might have been enjoyed by visitors to the fair. Miniature beef Wellington or bite-sized finger sandwiches such as cucumber or smoked salmon on rye offer a Victorian feel (and are easy to make.) A cheese or charcuterie board featuring varieties that would have been accessible in 1893, such as cheddar, gouda, and brie. Incorporate grapes, figs, nuts, and sliced meats like prosciutto, all popular during that era. You could purchase online/ship to you a deep-dish Chicago style pizza or make mini deep-dish pizzas and the same with sliced Italian beef sandwiches both honoring the city’s more recent culinary fame.
2. Period-Appropriate Sides
The fair featured a remarkable display of foods from around the world, including an entire pavilion dedicated to new food inventions such as brownies, chili, juicy fruit gum, Aunt Jemima pre-mixed pancake flour, Vienna beef sausages, shredded wheat and milk chocolate! Corn on the cob was popularized there, so include a roasted or grilled corn dish, served with a pat of herbed butter for a modern twist. For a lighter side, prepare a Waldorf salad, created just a few years after the fair, featuring crisp apples, celery, and grapes in a light, creamy dressing.
3. Decadent Desserts and Sweet Treats
Desserts should evoke the spirit of indulgence. Since the fair introduced the world to Cracker Jack, include the little individual boxes or make a bowl of the caramel popcorn-and-peanut deliciousness. For a fancier dessert, try a classic vanilla custard or panna cotta topped with fresh berries, evoking a timeless elegance. Chicago’s reputation for sweets calls for small chocolate cakes or brownies, and you could even serve a few éclairs or cream puffs for a touch of French sophistication, reflecting international influences.
4. Vintage Beverages
Offer your members a selection of beverages that reflect the time period. Lemonade, which was popular during the fair, would work well as a non-alcoholic option, served with a garnish of fresh mint – or add vodka on the side for an alcoholic spin. For a classic cocktail, consider the gin fizz or whiskey sour, both popular in the late 19th century. Red and white wines also work well, evoking the fine dining experiences at the fair’s restaurants.
You could even bring the fair food into the present day by making funnel cakes, corn dogs, chocolate covered bacon or anything fried! There are countless websites with options to choose from (here are a few: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/state-fair-food/ ; https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/best-carnival-fair-food-desserts/ ; https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/state-fair-food), it really depends on the tastes of your group – healthy versus not healthy, fun versus classic – OR even better – a mix of both!!
This mix of refined and nostalgic foods will help bring the world of “The Devil in the White City” alive, making for an immersive and memorable book club experience.
