A Beast of a Meal

Vincent Price's career and cookbook arecelebrated with his own recipes

(Courtesy of the Victoria Price Collection)

By Rob DeWalt

As one of classic horror cinema’s most legendary stars, Vincent Price (1911-1993) left an enduring mark on the genre with masterful roles in films such as House of Wax, The Fly (the original) and The Pit and the Pendulum. While younger generations may only relate to him through his voice (he provided the creepy voice and laugh at the beginning and end of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” music video), older folks may remember him for his film roles and his cookbook.

Originally published in 1965, Vincent's and second wife Mary Price's out-of-print A Treasury of Great Recipes is now heralded as a culinary classic among collectors, cooks, chefs and travelers. Price, who traveled the world throughout his career, was a notorious gastronome, gathering recipes both haute (moules frites) and street (hot dogs) from around the globe to include in this hefty, beautifully illustrated volume. To mark the 50th anniversary of the book, Price's daughter, Santa Fe resident and design maven Victoria Price joined forces with Dover Publications to release a commemorative edition of Treasury of Great Recipes with a retrospective preface by Victoria, a new foreword by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and plenty of retouched photographs.

To celebrate the release in Santa Fe, Victoria Price will launch the book with a special Vincent Price dinner at Santacafé on Thursday, Sept. 24. The four-course meal prepared by chef Fernando Ruiz includes selections pulled directly from the book, including guacamole; Belgian endive and beet salad; "Mary Victoria Broiled Mushrooms" and dark mocha cake. Guests can select from four entrees that include chicken with bok choy, mussels and cream with frites, risotto Milanese and grilled bone-in New York steak. Books will be available for purchase, and Victoria Price will be on hand to sign copies.

VINCENT PRICE DINNER & BOOKSIGNING
Open seating from 5:30 pm on Thursday, Sept. 24
$50-$75 per person (price depends on entrée selection)
Does not include wine, tax or gratuity
Santacafé, 231 Washington Ave., 984-1788
Reservations recommended

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