It is not often that the servants of the ton receive their most deserved rest and diversion outside of the yearly servants ball. Even rarer, and possibly unheard of, is the occasion when they are given the spotlight of a soiree.
Her Majesty the Queen was so taken by the delicacies prepared by American chef Carmen Berzatto that a ball was arranged in his honor. Much was speculated about the purpose of the evening. Perhaps Her Majesty intended to flaunt her impeccable taste and announce her patronage before Mr Berzatto reaches international renown? Was he to be given some honorary title, even with the impediment of him not actually being a subject of the Crown?
This Author believes the actual intent falls in line with Her Majesty's penchant for matchmaking instead.
No one missed the fact that Mr Berzatto avoided the dancefloor altogether until the very last dance, when he was joined by fellow chef and favourite of The Queen, Miss Sydney Adamu. Those in assistance noted how taken Mr Berzatto seemed with her beauty and frank conversation. The ball ended shortly after the introduction was made but one is left to wonder...
Oftentimes only a taste is needed to decide whether one dish is to our liking. Maybe one dance is enough to alight a spark between two kindred spirits? Perhaps one can do without music altogether and let food be all that nourishes love. This Author certainly hopes so, there is nothing quite so satisfying as witnessing a love match that is also a marriage of the minds.
(excerpt from Lady Whistledown magazine, June 1813)
Around the portrait a collection of pictures includes a photo of Min's grandfather in India and a drawing of Lady Diana Cooper, aged sixteen, done by her mother. Below stands a line of pear-shaped objects and African lacquer boxes.