Absinthe Plates

I love anything old. Dogs, pins and most especially, serving pieces. Among my trove of antique kitchenware, I have been collecting absinthe plates for about 20 years now, finding my first 2 at the flea markets in France. I was immediately attracted to the colorful rims and hand painted numbers. However, it was the story behind these charming plates that had me at bonjour!

Around the turn of the century, cafes and restaurants throughout France used these plates to serve absinthe (an anise-flavored spirit). These plates were originally used as a tip plate/saucer or “soucoupe” as they say in French.

The absinthe drink was brought to the table on these dishes, and on the edge the cost of the drink would be clearly marked. As the evening progressed the check (or “l’addition”) added up. At the end of the evening, the waiter would simply add up the saucers, either by the colored rim or painted numbers, to calculate the bill. 

I’ve always been intrigued by this romantic drink enjoyed by Parisian artists and writers. Apparently, Vincent Van Gogh drank it, which doesn’t surprise me at all. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso, both painted cafe patrons drinking absinthe in their paintings

This naturally derived green liquor is made from wormwood and culinary herbs such as fennel. Nicknamed the “Green Fairy”, absinthe was long banned in the United States and other parts of Europe due to the biased reputation of being hallucinogenic. However, after 2007, real absinthe became legally available and can be purchased most anywhere.   

Curious, I purchased a bottle to try it myself. A bit too herbaceous for my palate! Personally, I am sticking to tequila and will continue using my plates to serve with appetizers or as a bread plates at the table. I’ve also used them to hold a spicy pepper blend or parmesan when serving Italian food. As you can see in my photos, anything looks so pretty on them. If you would like to begin collecting absinthe plates and can’t get to France anytime soon, I suggest looking on eBay and Etsy. I have had great luck finding authentic ones there and of course, at the flea markets. How does one navigate those? Next post!