DODGY RESTAURANT COOK

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

DODGY RESTAURANT COOK

Tricks of the food trade: one cook explains to another how to cheat customers by lying about the weight of mutton legs. Date: 1834

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 20156209

© Bubblepunk

1834 Cheat Cook Customers Dodgy Explains Legs Lying Mutton Pulling Restaurant Restaurants Someones Tricks Weight Swindle Unscrupulous

EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing 1834 print from Mary Evans Prints Online, we witness an unscrupulous moment in the world of Victorian restaurant kitchens. Two cooks huddle together, their furtive glances and whispered words revealing a secretive exchange. The older cook points to a plump mutton leg on the table, while the younger one studies a set of scales. The caption above the image reads, "Tricks of the food trade: one cook explains to another how to cheat customers by lying about the weight of mutton legs." The cooks' deceptive practice was a common swindle in the restaurant industry of the time. By underweighting the mutton legs and charging customers for the full weight, these unscrupulous cooks could increase their profits. The customers, trusting that they were getting their money's worth, would be none the wiser. The print offers a glimpse into the darker side of the restaurant business during the 19th century. While many establishments prided themselves on providing quality meals and excellent service, others resorted to dishonest practices to cut costs and boost profits. This image serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and honesty in the food industry, a value that remains relevant today. Despite the deceptive nature of the scene, there is a certain intrigue and even dark humor in the image. The cooks' furtive expressions and the mutton leg on the table create a compelling visual narrative, transporting us back in time to the world of Victorian restaurants and their sometimes less-than-honorable practices.

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