LEGENDS OF THE 238
THE ORIGINAL 238
Shanghai Beefsteak and Burgundy
In the early 1950’s some members of the wine industry in Adelaide commenced the cheerful habit of lunching on Fridays. Most would bring a bottle of wine masked in a paper bag for the comments of their peers. Comments were sometimes more hilarious than accurate.
They met informally at the Imperial Hotel in a long narrow dining room, on a slightly raised dais at one end, from which they could observe, and be observed, by the other diners.
One day in 1954 they noted that other diners were observing them with interest and envy, because of their obvious enjoyment. The idea was floated that they should form a club so that others could participate. From this serendipitous beginning Beefsteak and Burgundy was born.
