A Witty Rostauranteur.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XVI, 17 October 1903, Page 3

A Witty Rostauranteur.

M. Bignon. the famous Paris restau

rant keeper, was not less notable for hireadv wit than he was for his long bills. Some of the tales set afloat concerning

both are no doubt legendary, for they have been related of other hosts. For instance. “What. M. Bignon. fifteen francs for a peach!” asked Prince Narischkin: “peaches must be rare.” "No. Monseigneur.” replied Bignon. “but Narischkins are.” The same story was long ago told of George HI. and an English innkeeper, with the variation of an

"egg” instead of a “peach.” and “Kings instead of “Narischkins.”

The anecdotes told of Bignon at first hand are probably more authentic. Ar. epicure, after dining at Bignon’s, complained of the sauce. “Did you dine here yesterday!” asked Bignon. “No,” replied the customci “Ah!” said Bignon. “that explains everything. You have vitiated your taste at some inferior restaurant.” Another customer expostulated upon being charged 2fr 50c for a red herring. “It is in your own interest.” said Bignon. “If I were to lower my charges this restaurant would be inundated with plebians; by keeping prices at a high level I exclude those with whom no gentleman like yourself would choose to dine.”

One man, after the waiter had presented his bill, sent for Bignon for an explanation. “I have breakfasted with you for several days,” said be. “and my breakfast has hitherto cost 18fr 50c. I have had exactly the same breakfast today and the waiter charges me 21fr 18s.” Bignon went to his desk, and made a show of examining his account book. Then, returning to the guest, he said:

“You are quite right; there is a mistake. I find that I have hitherto undercharged you. But, as the fault was my own. I will not ask you for the arrears.” He onee charged King Milan 180 fr for a bottle of Bordeaux. “His Majesty has an illusion,” said he, “that wine is not good unless it is very expensive.”