Colonial Williamsburg
Docking in Norfolk, we boarded a motor coach and made an early morning departure, traveling back in time to the thriving 18th century community of Williamsburg. After strolling the streets of this living museum, we were escorted to the King's Arms Tavern for a colonial feast.
The large table was set as it would have been in 1774, pewter mugs, enormous cloth napkins to be tucked in at the collar and heavy china plates. Onion Soup served with sippets, (bread used to dunk in soup or gravy) was followed by large platters of Ragout of Oyster, stuffed veal, chicken fricassee, Virginia ham, carrot puff balls and marinated mushrooms. Apple cheddar cheese muffins, along with Sally Lund Bread accompanied this unbelievably heavy meal. No "cooking-lite" in the 18th century!
Historically, dried foods were relied upon heavily and spices like mace (from the nutmeg seed outer cover), tarragon and basil were used to cover the taste of the often rotted meat. With virtually no refrigeration, fresh meat was rarely an option. Bread crumbs and egg yolks were used as thickening tools in the colonial kitchen and cloves were one of the most common spices used during that period.
Happily, our meal recreated just colonial cooking styles and recipes, but had the benefit of modern refrigeration and 21st century sanitation standards. Plates were passed around the table family style and pitchers of rum punch blended with the juice of limes (to ward off scurvy) accompanied the meal.
Williamsburg is fascinating and well worth a visit.
Charleston and Savannah
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| Garden of Good and Evil |
Lunch at Magnolia's in stately Charleston was exceptional (see Chef Notes).
Our last stop was Savannah, one of the most striking cities in the world. We took a walking tour and in spite of the heat (this was in October!) discovered courtyard gardens, elaborate wrought iron work, and architectural detail often overlooked by casual visitors. We got a good look at the house where the murder in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil took place. Lady Chablis still performs each week and there are indeed several, shall we say, eccentric Savannah personalities around town.
Lunch was a walk through the "Old South" as we dined at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House. Famous for its classic down-home cooking and family style service, we devoured huge portions of Southern Fried Chicken, candied yams, collard greens, baked ham, black-eyed peas and stewed okra & tomatoes. Washed down with buckets of mint flavored ice tea, it would be easy to get spoiled by all the Southern Hospitality...except for the fact everyone is expected to bring their dirty plate back to the kitchen!
While we enjoyed getting back to basics and "going to town" on several American regional favorites, the Seabourn Pride's exquisite, world-class dining was always a pleasure to come home to.
For more information about Seabourn's Colonial Heritage cruise visit www.Seabourn.com
