Thursday, April 2, 2026Daily Trivia Questions are below TODAY’S FOOD QUOTE“To feel safe and warm on a cold wet night, all you really need is soup.” Laurie Colwin
FOOD HOLIDAYS - TODAY IS: Pascua Florida Day - State Day in Florida (See 1513 below) (Florida Food Trivia and Facts) National Burrito Day (April 2, 2026 - 1st Thurs)
(Burrito Recipes) National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
(Peanut Butter Trivia and Facts) Feast of Acan, the Mayan God of Wine St. Urban of Langres' Day, patron of barrel makers, coopers, and vintners.
TODAY IN FOOD HISTORY742 Charlemagne was born. Charlemagne, Charles I, Charles the Great, King of the Franks, Charles le Grand, Carolus Magnus, Karl Der Grosse, King of the Lombards, master of Western Europe, Emperor.
Some of the food related 'facts' I have come across related to Charlemagne:
* the peacock was first served in Europe during his reign;
* Sauerbraten was invented by Charlemagne;
* the knife began to be used to eat food for the first time during his reign (rather than the fingers);
* Roses were used to cover tables for meals.
I have no real corroboration for any of these 'facts'. 1513 Ponce de Leon landed in Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth. He thought it was just another island of the Bahamas. (Sources vary on date from April 2 to April 8 but Florida celebrates on April 2) 1814 Erastus Brigham Bigelow was born (died Dec 6, 1879). Inventor of manufacturing machinery for making gingham cloth. The red & white checked tablecloths used in restaurants is a classic example of gingham. 1819 The periodical, 'American Farmer' was founded by John Skinner 1827 Joseph Dixon began manufacturing the first lead (graphite) pencils. Necessary to write recipes and menus. 1840 Emile Zola was born. French writer and critic who was also known as a gourmand. His detailed descriptions of simple meals, banquets and eating in his novels are among the best to be found anywhere. He was also known for his own luxury dinner parties. "What will be the death of me are bouillabaisses, food spiced with pimiento, shellfish, and a load of exquisite rubbish which I eat in disproportionate quantities." 1863 THE RICHMOND BREAD RIOTS - Shortages of food caused hundreds of angry women gathered in Richmond, Virginia to march on the governor's office and then on the government commissary to demand bread. It ended in a riot when they broke into the commissary and then other shops & buildings and carried out anything they could carry. Even the hospital reported losing over 300 pounds of beef. Arrests were made, but at the request of authorities, the newspapers downplayed the incident, and records were later destroyed when the Confederate government fled and burned much of the town behind them. 1884 Dennis Robert Hoagland was born (died Sept 5, 1949). American plant physiologist. He perfected the water-culture technique for growing plants without soil. 1889 Charles M. Hall received U.S. patent #400,655 for the process to extract aluminum from its ore.
(Aluminum Food Trivia & Facts) 1949 'Candy Kisses' by George Morgan was #1 on the country music charts. 1974 Alexandre Dumaine died (born Aug 26, 1895). One of the most decorated French chefs. Proprietier of 3 Michelin star Hτtel de la Cτte-d'Or. Author with Henry Clos Jouve of 'Ma Cuisnie' (1972). 1994 Elizabeth Mary ('Betty') Furness died (born Jan 3, 1916). Actress and spokesperson for Westinghouse Electric consumer appliances. Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs (1967-1969) under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Board member of Consumers Union, publisher of 'Consumer Reports', Executive Director of NY State Consumer Protection Board, consumer reporter for WNBC in New York. 2020 Coronavirus: Empty highways, grounded planes and closed factories leads to collapse in oil demand, add a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia and oil prices have collapsed to lowest in 18 years; Gas selling for about $1 a gallon at some Minnesota gas stations.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** March 13-April 12, 2026 Knott's Boysenberry Festival
Buena Park, California April 1-4, 2026 - 35th Taste of Vail - Vail, Colorado April 2-4, 2026 - Annual Llano River Chuck Wagon Cook-Off - Llano, Texas April 2-6, 2026 Annual Tater Day - Benton, Kentucky April 2-12, 2026 - Clay County Agricultural Fair
Green Cove Springs, Florida (SEE ALL FOOD FESTIVALS and OTHER FOOD EVENTS)
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** FOOD TRIVIA QUIZ (new DAILY questions)1) All of the following events took place in the same year. What year is it?
· The 18 story, 750 room Plaza Hotel opened in New York City. It set the standard for luxury accommodation and service.
· Maytag washing machines are introduced.
· Scott Paper Co. introduced the first paper towel.
· Hershey milk chocolate Kisses are introduced. 2) What percentage of the total world fish catch is caught in the northern hemisphere?
a) 30% b) 60% c) 70% d) 90% 3) What is the official state beverage of Ohio? 4) How many poppy seeds are in a pound? Click Here for Today’s Quiz Answers
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** Read an article about Chef James and the FoodReference.com website published in the Winona Daily News, Minneapolis StarTribune, and numerous other newspapers: Click here for the Article
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** Dedication
This website is dedicated to:
· Gladys Ehler, my mother, who taught me patience and how to make Sauerbraten (it is still my favorite)
· Edward Ehler, my father, who taught me a love of books and history.
· Barbara Saba, my sister, who taught me how to dance.
· Cpl. Thomas E. Saba, my nephew. Died in action on Feb. 7, 2007 in Iraq. He was 30 yrs. young. Chef James
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