The Macbeth Menu: Appetite and Ambition

Culinary II

Acts 1-3

“Two of the play’s decisive turning points take place during state suppers. First, the Macbeths feast Duncan in their castle, and the audience gets to watch the servants carrying the banquet to the dining hall through the anteroom before Macbeth enters to contemplate murdering the king, later joined by Lady Macbeth. Second, the Macbeths—now king and queen—host a banquet at their royal palace, and this one takes place on stage where the invited-but-murdered Banquo shows up, inexorably sending Macbeth down his tyrannical path and riving the relationship between Macbeth and his lady”.

Eric Minton
October 1, 2011

Act I:Appetite and Ambition Presentation

  • In groups of 2-3 students will present a slide show (5-7 slides) exhibiting the food and food related imagery in Macbeth. We will discuss the different imagery and symbolism as a class. In your presentation include food imagery, methods of serving & types of cutlery, food preparation, and food trends of 11th century Scotland.

Act II:Create a Macbeth inspired menu

  • Groups choose an Act and the scene(s) from the play to represent as an Macbeth menu. When creating a suitable menu for the Act/scene chosen, consider not only the dark parts of play, but also the elegance and symbolism. Also, take into consideration that in Shakespeare’s time Scotland was influenced by French cuisine.

The menu should have the following components:

  • Menu Tile
  • Brief description of Act/scene the menu is inspired by and dictating
  • 3 menu sections - e.g.: appetizer, entrée, dessert
  • 3 selections within each section (3 appetizers, 3 entrees, 3 desserts)

The menu should include standard menu language including proper descriptions of the items. Attention must be given to principles of menu balance as discussed in class. The menu must be in a presentation format – as it would be presented to the guest.

Act III:Kitchen Lab- Menu Production

  • Lab Groups will produce recipes from the Macbeth Fowl is Fair menu. Lab groups will be graded on same criteria discussed in class and lab guidelines used through out the year.