Slopianka, Alfred
[Hotel Bristol, Berlin.] Speisen und Getränke. Alfred Slopianka. Hotel Bristol Berlin.
Berlin: Undated, but circa 1930. Manuscript. Accompanied by several loose notes, all related to gastronomy, including lists of beef cuts, additional dish descriptions, a translation of German dishes into French, a typewritten list of regional specialties, and a printed operational regulation for the Hotelbetrieb-Aktiengesellschaft Bristol, Kaiserhof, Bellevue, Baltic, Centralhotel from 1935. Bound in contemporary half-cloth, with hand-cut index tabs. In a larger scrapbook-style volume, with more than 30 pages containing entries in German, while the rest remain blank. In fine condition.
A unique handwritten gastronomic reference book from the 1930s, compiled by a Hotel Bristol waiter, documenting dishes and beverages.
Handwritten recipe book belonging to Alfred Slopianka (b. 1916), a waiter at the Hotel Bristol in Berlin, one of the city's most prestigious luxury hotels. Rather than offering precise recipes with measurements, the manuscript provides descriptions of various dishes and beverages, listing their ingredients in a way that suggests it was meant as a reference for explaining dishes to guests or for personal use in service. Today, it provides valuable insight into the diverse and refined offerings of the hotel’s restaurant, reflecting the sophistication and breadth of its cuisine. The content is organized into sections, including Appetizers (1), Soups (28), Egg Dishes (8), Fish (16), Sauces (24), Garnishes, Meat Dishes (13), Vegetables, Salads (3), Desserts (18), and two sections dedicated to beverages: ‘Amerikanische Getränke’ (American Beverages) and ‘Alkoholische Getränke’ (Alcoholic Beverages).
Additionally, the manuscript includes a section on lobsters and oysters (2), a glossary of Fachausdrücke (technical terms) explaining five preparation methods, and a seasonal dishes (Saisongerichte) section spanning two pages, listing different meats and fish alongside the months in which they were typically served, with additional notes (Vermerke) on a few vegetables. A double-page chart details cooking and roasting times for various meats.
The ‘Amerikanische Getränke’ section contains a description of American Grog, while the ‘Alkoholische Getränke’ section is more detailed, listing eleven drinks with more than just their ingredients—some include preparation instructions. Among them are five classic cocktails: Absinthe Cocktail, Champagne Cocktail, Manhattan Cocktail, Manhattan Dry Cocktail, and Martini Cocktail—as well as Queen Charlotte (a variation of the Stinger), Milk Punch, Prince of Wales, Prairie Oyster, Sorbet, and Sherry + Egg. These selections reflect an awareness of international drinking culture and the refined tastes of the hotel's clientele.
Founded in 1891 on Unter den Linden, the Hotel Bristol was an institution of Berlin’s cosmopolitan elite, attracting aristocrats, diplomats, and intellectuals. Renowned for its excellence in service and hospitality, the hotel became a symbol of sophistication in the city. Author Vicki Baum, who later gained fame for her novel Menschen im Hotel, worked there as a chambermaid, gathering material for her portrayal of grand hotel life. The manuscript, with its precise notations, appears to have been a working tool, either for assisting in guest service or as a practical reference behind the scenes.
Sachgebiete: Autographen, Gastronomie, Handschriften
29.07.2026 - 10:41
3000,- EUR
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