L’ORDRE DU BON TEMPS

“The Order of the Good Time,” the first social club in America, was originally established at Port-Royal by Samuel de Champlain in 1606.  The purpose of the club was to provide entertainment and satisfy hearty appetites during the long, harsh Acadian winter.  There were 15 gentlemen in the company and each took a turn being host for the day. 

The host designed his menu based on the day’s hunt.  Generally, the men enjoyed huge moose or caribou roasts as well as smaller game such as beaver, porcupine and rabbits.  In fact, moose meat and beaver’s tail were highly regarded for their tenderness and delicate flavors.  Waterfowl, ruffled grouse, partridge and other birds were plentiful.  Trout, cod and lobsters were speared through the ice for the dinner fare as well. 

The men competed to provide the most sumptuous meal for his comrades.  If the day’s hunt was not as successful as hoped, the host traded with local tribesmen for sufficient fare.  Usually, these Micmac Indians joined in the elaborate banquet.  That evening, the host wore the Insignia of the Order and paraded in grandeur to the dining hall with each comrade carrying a delectable platter of food.  Once the meal was enjoyed, the men told stories and sang.  A toast with wine completed the evening’s events and the Insignia of the Order was passed to the successor.  Thus began America’s first “gourmet’s club” in Acadia.

At Chef John Folse’s White Oak Plantation the tradition of The Order of the Good Time continues.  Once a month, members of the group and their guests gather for food, wine and companionship.  Special menus are created around a monthly theme and a fine time is had by all!   For more information or to join The Order of the Good Time, please contact Katherine Lapeyrolerie at (225) 751-1882.