The original Delmonico restaurant was operated by the Delmonico family, immigrants from Switzerland, in lower Manhattan during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Credited with being the first restaurant in America to allow customers to order from an a (accent on the a) la carte menu and a wine list, the famed and sophisticated eating establishment attracted celebrities, politicians and other wealthy patrons.

In 1868 a banquet was held there for Charles Dickens, whose notable works included Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. On previous visits, the celebrated English novelist had dismissed American food as “piles of indigestible matter.” This time, the dinner held in his honor was the equal of anything in Europe with more than thirty dishes representing the highest accomplishments in international cuisine.

Consequently, the name Delmonico came to be associated with high quality food and classy surroundings and soon the name was adopted by other restaurateurs and Delmonicos sprang up all over the world.

This vintage menu cover was from Delmonico De Paris and we’ve been unable so far to find out much more information about it, except to date it from the 1960s since the price of dishes are in new francs.

The charming image shows two little girls playing at dress-up as their floppy-eared puppy looks on. How do you like my new dress? asks one of the children.

Courtesy Private Collection.