People have always loved to eat well and tasty, but not everyone has culinary talents, and it takes a lot of time to prepare culinary delights. Even in the old days, there were establishments where you could have a snack and drink. Although they could not be called restaurants. These were mainly taverns, where simple food was served, and the interior left much to be desired.
Simple wooden tables, simple utensils and simple, everyday dishes made these establishments less attractive. This is not to say that the food was not tasty, but the contingent that visited them was very interesting. Here one could hear drunken swearing and dirty words. For members of high society, taverns were not attractive.
The rich at that time preferred to eat at home, creating their own menu. Even in Roman villas located in the interior of the continent, it was possible to get oysters for lunch, delivered from the coast in carriages with frequent changes of horses. But there was not a single establishment where you could go for a few coins to change clothes, order a rare dish of nightingale tongues and use “vomitorium”. Even for the rich, food was seasonal.
By the end of the 18th century, during the Industrial Revolution, people’s movements from place to place became more frequent, and a middle class was formed, the existence of which is necessary for every successful restaurateur. Gradually, the balance of supply and demand led to the formation of the modern restaurant business.
First restaurant
Closer to the middle of the 18th century, restaurants began to appear in Europe, and there they initially aimed at a pleasant pastime: visitors could order dishes to taste and came to the establishments in order to socialize and have a pleasant evening. The oldest among such restaurants can be considered the Sobrino de Botin establishment, which is located in Madrid. It was opened in 1725, and it was from here that the history of the development of the restaurant business in the West began.
It was at this time that the first establishment, which became the prototype of the restaurant, was opened. The initiator of this was the Frenchman Boulanger. The first restaurant appeared in Paris. It couldn’t be any other way. The inhabitants of this country have always had a passion for everything exquisite; it was they who elevated relaxation in such establishments to a real cult, and since then visitors began to regularly come to them. But he did not immediately become popular.
By 1776, restaurants had been established in a number of major US cities and were a resounding success. Establishments such as Bull’s Head, Frances Tavern and Mr. Little’s were the hallmarks of New York. These restaurants hosted banquets with a selection of expensive dishes, but on ordinary days they served, as a rule, beef, ham and vegetables.
- they worked fixed hours
- visitors were seated at separate tables
- guests could order their food using the menu
By the time of the French Revolution, restaurants were commonplace in Paris. In 1814, the Allied armies entered this city, defeating Napoleon. Representatives of all ranks and classes spent time in Paris. And those lucky ones who were paid a salary could spend their money in Paris. The officers of the occupying Allied armies had their families stay for a long time in the French capital.
Time passed and the troops took home memories of Paris and spread them around the world. Society from an agricultural one increasingly became an industrial one. In this case, the need for restarts constantly increased. More and more people began to need to eat outside their home. But the growth of the restaurant business was quite slow.
By the 1820s, travelers who wandered into the restaurant of the Stephen’s Hotel in London were treated slowly and unkindly. Crockford had a gambling club where fortunes were lost and made and where patrons were served almost around the clock under the direction of a famous head waiter named Udo. There were no special pickles, but if you wanted, you could spend about ten pounds on the green cloth of the playing table.
Every day the interior and menu of the restaurants changed. Competition has played its part here. The history of restaurants continued, and this business was put on stream. Particular attention was paid to the external appearance of establishments. They began to be furnished with luxurious furniture and decorated with crystal chandeliers. The restaurant menu has also changed. Hundreds of dishes appeared in it that met the tastes of the most demanding aristocrats.
At the entrance, guests were greeted by servants in livery, which gave the first restaurants even more pomp. Particular attention was paid to wine cellars. The most luxurious establishments stocked magnificent stocks that amazed with their assortment.
Gradually, restaurateurs realized the benefits of such establishments. Basically, they were created with a focus on noble people, travelers and visitors. But the history of restaurants began a new chapter. Many Europeans adopted the French experience. In each country, establishments acquired their own unique flavor and offered cuisine traditional to that area. Comfort and coziness have become an integral part of the restaurant. The range of dishes and the opportunity to choose made the establishments very popular.
The development of this business cannot be stopped. Humanity’s greatest need had to be met. Today it seems that the level of development of restaurants has reached its maximum value. But there is never a limit to perfection. Guests are offered more refined dishes made from the best ingredients. Elite restaurants have their own wine cellars. The best chefs offer amazing signature dishes, so restaurant menus are constantly being improved. Thanks to these masters of culinary art, you can enjoy the most delicious food and spend time in a cozy and comfortable environment.
Restaurants have become a part of our lives. The most important events in our lives take place here.
When were restaurants invented?
Answer 1: Restaurants were invented in the 18th century.
Who is credited with inventing the restaurant?
Answer 2: The first restaurant, Sobrino de Botin, was opened in 1725 in Madrid by Jean Botin.
What was the first restaurant in the world?
Answer 3: The first restaurant in the world was Sobrino de Botin, founded in 1725 in Madrid by Jean Botin.
