July 17: Apicius plans a menu for Leo

By Jeff Cheek

Apicius, the famed Roman gourmet who published the first cook book in A.D. 29 was a Patrician. They were the ruling class, making up about ten percent of the population. About half were Plebians, or commoners. (West Point freshmen are still called plebes.) The remainder were slaves.

These Patricians were noted for their wasteful lifestyle. Apicius entertained his friends in his palatial villa. One room was a "vomitorium." When his guests had stuffed themselves at his banquets they would repair to the vomitorium where a servant tickled their throat with a feather until they threw up. Then they returned to the banquet to stuff themselves again.

His personal astrologer chose the date for these feasts. The next sign of the zodiac is Leo, the Lion, July 23 to August 22. Modern astrologers made these predictions for those born under this sign in the year 2001.

This will be a year of ownership for Leo. Leo will take control of his own destiny. Projects which have been only hopeful dreams came together in late April, and earning should continue throughout the year. Many Leoians will have children in July, and single people will find romance, frequently in the work place. August is the magic month with life altering decisions. Leos' careers blossom in September and October, which will be rewarding but hectic. Their families will celebrate their success in December.

Apicius was more interested in how Leo affected the appetite of those born under this sign so he could plan his menu. He believed that Leos are strong, independent people who do not care for dainty food. For their meat, he chose beef and dolphin. For fish, he selected mullet, perch, and dory. He was especially generous with his spices. He recommended lavish use of basil, sage, saffron, tamarind, and coriander. Leo loves sweet and sour, and spicy dishes.

As for character, Apicius believed that the lion, a wild animal, had imparted certain traits to those born under his sign. Leos are strong, brave, determined, and independent. They are passionate and love justice. They are leaders, not followers. Above all, they are outdoor types, not domesticated. He could recommend something like Chicken Livers Tosca for the gentle, intellectual Geminian but the tough, proud Leoian demanded red meat.

Apicius also noted the negative side of Leo. Some are arrogant, domineering glory hunters, prone to violence when they do not get their way. But these few have the same preferences in food, so he planned his menu accordingly.

Leos are not gourmets but have voracious appetites for solid food. They also tend to be heavy drinkers, too, so Apicius arranged to have a plentiful supply of wine on hand. Since their sign is mid-year, when days are warm and sunny, his menus included lots of beef, cooked over an open fire. We now call this a barbecue. For the fish course, Apicius ordered Baked Mullet, but trout can be substituted.

INGREDIENTS:

1 fish per person

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 thin slices lemon

1 tablespoon butter

2 teaspoons chopped chives

1 clove garlic, crushed

PREPARATION: Wash and clean fish but leave it whole. Brush with oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Cut aluminum foil into a rectangle; place fish in center. Cover with lemon slices, dot with butter and sprinkle with chives and garlic. Fold foil over fish to keep juices in; bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Open foil, slide fish onto plate and bathe with juices. Serve.

Jeff Cheek lives in Medford