[Sca-cooks] price of smithsonian feast

[Mem Morman]

i think it's relevant to point out here that the price of the
smithsonian feast is in keeping with the price of other smithsonian
associate activities that they offer.  $100 to $200 for an evening
activity is not out of line - even when there are just moderate
refreshments offered.  and the weekend tours are double and triple this.

when the smithsonian thinks of doing a banquet they are thinking of
paying (probably union wages) for set up, clean up, and service - not to
mention the cooks (and the linen service, and the use of serving dishes
and silverware).  now add in the honorariums for the three big name
academics who will be lecturing and helping "plan" each course.  then
remember that the smithsonian runs this whole program as a money-maker
for the institution.

the money actually spent on food may indeed not be more than $20 or so a
serving - it's the rest of the package that adds the cost.

elaina