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I spend a lot of time on the computer, so I jump at the chance to get out and enjoy some of the unique events that make Houston so awesome. This Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending one of the coolest events I have ever been to in Houston. The Houston Museum of Natural Science sponsored a Titanic Dinner at Charivari on Bagby in Midtown. Small, family owned, local Houston businesses and restaurants are what give this city such a rich soul. The ambiance, food, impeccable staff, and knowledgeable speakers made this evening a night to remember.

I originally tried to get tickets to the April Titanic Dinner because Pete is absolutely obsessed with everything Titanic, and it would have been the 100^th anniversary of the legendary ship’s sinking. Sadly they were sold out. However, I found out from the HMNS website that there would be a second dinner, the one I attended on June 28, 2012. Score! I purchased the tickets in April, and had been looking forward to the event for quite some time.

I was not disappointed one bit! From the beginning, the staff was friendly, pointing us to a table for two. We were so happy that we didn’t have to sit at a table with other people we didn’t know (like you do on a cruise ship). The HMNS host gave us all a warm welcome, and began educating the crowd about the Titanic; everything from classes on the ship to the types of food that were popular.

In the very beginning everyone was very serious, listening intently as though in a classroom. However, once the complimentary champagne started flowing the crowd loosened up and actually started asking questions about things they were interested in.

An immense emphasis was put on Auguste Escoffier, the acclaimed French chef who lived from October 28, 1846 to February 12, 1935. Escoffier was legendary during the time of Titanic, instrumental in popularizing traditional French cuisine and modernizing some elements. His cooking methodologies heavily influenced the Titanic’s menu.

I know, I know! Enough with the history lesson.

Each place setting was given two menus: one was a rendition of the only menu recovered from the Titanic’s wreckage, and the other was the one that we would be enjoying that evening. The guests at Charivari were in for a Treat! Chef Johann Schuster kept us quiet all night with portions that were just small enough to leave us longing for the next course! Here is the menu in pictures.

Thank you Charivari! It has been years since I enjoyed a meal so immensely.

If these pictures make are making your mouth water, visit their website to find out more about this fine Houston gem. Also, Charivari’s “real” titanic menu is available here with reservation details for about half of what we paid. Don’t forget to support our local Houston businesses!