Thanksgiving Dinner at the Eaton’s Grill Room

It’s no big secret, my adoration of Eaton’s comes inherently, most likely because everyone on the Golden side worked there.

I found a cute letter my Grandpa Stan wrote to my Nana while away visiting his brother, Tom in Winnipeg – with little Tom in tow. He mentions:

Came downtown & went to Eaton’s for dinner – tried the fifth floor cafeteria – Tom wasn’t having any of that – so ate in the Grill Room – a good dinner.

 

I love that my Uncle Tom “wasn’t having any of that”… fifth floor cafeteria food. (note: Little Tommy has fancy plans, and pants to match – News Radio)

The famous fifth floor Grill Dining Room offered a panorama view and was furnished with large chandeliers, posh carpeting and wainscotting throughout.

I recently discovered Eaton’s was a hub of seasonal activity. They offered traditional seasonal dinners in many of their restaurants and lunch counters.  Thus I present to you, Thanksgiving menus throughout the years!

1916

 

1916 Grill Room Thanksgiving Menu -$1.00- ($21.97 in 2016)
Celery, Olives, Cantaloupe, Maraschino, Consomme Ecossaise, Creme Celery, Supreme Halibut, Oyster Sauce, Roast Stuffed Manitoba Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Roast Celery-fed Gosling, Apple Sauce, Boiled Chicken with Rice, Orange Salad, Boiled Potatoes, Cauliflower in Cream, English Plum Pudding, Spice Sauce, Pumpkin Pie, Deep Apple Pie with Cream, Fruit & Cafe Noir.

 

1920

 

1920 Grill Room Thanksgiving Menu -$1.00-
Fresh green onions, fresh radishes, Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup, Baked filleted Lake Winnipeg Whitefish, choice of Breaded Manitoban milk fed Veal Cutlets, Tomato Sauce or Roast Prime Ribs of Manitoban Beef au jus.

or

Roast Young Manitoba Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, boiled or Mashed Potatoes, Manitoban Green Cabbage, Fresh Pumpkin Pie, Fresh Cranberry Tart, Charlotte Russe, Rolls & Butter, Coffee or Milk.

1929

 

1929 Grill Room Thanksgiving Menu -$1.00-
Half-dozen Oysters on Half Shell, Cream of Tomatoes, Roast Young Thanksgiving Turkey, Chestnut Dressing, Cranberry Sauce, Brussels Sprouts, Brown Potatoes, Stuffed Date Salad, Old English Steamed Plum Pudding, Stilton Cheese and Crackers, Rolls and Butter, Tea or Coffee, Chocolate After-Dinner Mints.

 

1931

 

1931 Grill Room Thanksgiving Menu -50c- ($10.99 in 2016)
Fruit Cocktail or Cream of Tomato Soup, Roast Young Manitoba Turkey, Savoury Dressing, Cranberry Sauce, Boiled, Creamy Mashed or Browned Potatoes, mashed Buttered Turnips. Choice of: Steamed Fruit Pudding with Hard Sauce, Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream, Stuffed Baked Apple, Grill Room Style Maple Ice Cream with Wafers, Rolls and Butter, Tea or Coffee.

 

After 1931 I found it difficult to find anymore Thanksgiving menus. I’m guessing the depression caused this shift, you’ll also see the price for dinner dropped by 50 cents in 1931.

Anyone have any Eaton’s holiday memories?  Leave a comment below 🙂

Happy Thanksgiving!