A beautiful book about a beautiful time
Ilus raamat ilusast ajast

Summary/Abstract: Kalervo Hovi. Kuld Lõwi ja Kultase ajal: Tallinna restoranikultuuri ajalugu 1918-1940. [At the time of Kuld Lõwi Restaurant and Kultas Café: The history of restaurant culture of Tallinn 1918-1940]. Transl. from Finnish by Piret Saluri. Tallinn: Varrak 2003, 324 pp. The book is a study of restaurants and cafés in Tallinn, Estonia, during the first period of independence in 1918-1940. It is noteworthy that Kalervo Hovi, the author, is from Finland. In the preface he mentions that he got his inspiration when he visited Tallinn in 1967 and could still sense the remains of the atmosphere of the 1930s, a top period of restaurant and café culture in Tallinn. Apparently it has eluded the attention of the local people, whose former culture was suppressed (though, fortunately, not completely ruined) by the Soviet occupation, as their recollections of the 1930s were different. The author describes three periods of restaurant and café life in Tallinn during 1918-1940. During the first period (1918-1925), the Estonians started to repossess restaurants and cafés, formerly owned by foreigners, and proved just as successful. In this period the Estonian urban culture, including restaurant and café culture, was just beginning to emerge. During the second period (1926-1933), restaurants and cafeterias suffered financial difficulties, because Estonian economy suffered also under the infamous Wall Street Crash. Fortunately, in 1934 the general situation began to improve and by the third period (1934-1940) restaurant and café culture was at its peak and general prosperity grew. The book contains impressive original photos and illustrations from 1918-1940. It appears that the designs and menus of the period are not comparable to those in the present day, as they are more luxurious. Chandeliers and white sheets on tables were nothing exceptional in these days. Menus also look exclusive (including dishes of grouse, goose). Live music and dancing were, naturally, included.

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