Seating themselves on the greensward, they eat while the corks fly and there is talk, laughter and merriment, and perfect freedom, for the universe is their drawing room and the sun their lamp. Besides, they have appetite, Nature's special gift, which lends to such a meal a vivacity unknown indoors, however beautiful the surroundings.

The truffle is not a positive aphrodisiac, but it can upon occasion make women tenderer and men more apt to love.

The sense of smell, like a faithful counsellor, foretells its character.

In the state of society in which we now find ourselves, it is difficult to imagine a nation which lived solely on bread and vegetables.

Meals, in the sense in which we understand this word, began with the second age of the human species.

The table is the only place where we do not get weary during the first hour.

In the hands of an able cook, fish can become an inexhaustible source of perpetual delight.