Based on a large amount of factual material, the book tells about the history of the formation and development of the phenomenon of "public catering" in St. Petersburg: about restaurants, taverns, tea houses, taverns and other establishments. You will also learn a lot of interesting things about their device and, of course, about those who worked there. The appendix provides examples of old recipes. If you wish, you can easily cook on them yourself and taste what was customarily served on the table.The book is richly illustrated and will undoubtedly arouse the interest of a wide range of readers.