After retiring from a military career, this gentleman reputedly lived such an extravagant life that his name became a byword for certain, quite expensive, social events. Famed for his gardens, he is credited by some for having introduced certain fruits to his homeland, while an ingredient in fancy salads and a pasta dish containing very costly ingredients were named for him. Who was he?

TabbyTom

I think this is Lucius Licinius Lucullus. He commanded the Roman armies in the war against Mithridates from 74 BC, and when he withdrew into private life he was famous for his gourmet banquets. He is traditionally supposed to have introduced cherries into Rome, although it seems that they were known to the Romans before his time. Pasta dishes are sometimes described as “alla Lucullo,” but I’m not sure what this expression implies. Aug 26 05, 5:11 PM

lanfranco

Lovely, TT. Lucullus is said (by Pliny for one) to have introduced both sweet cherries and apricots into Rome, though this may be apocryphal. A variety of Swiss chard is named for him, as is "Macaroni Lucullus," which involves truffles and foie gras. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucullus See the link to the Gardens of Lucullus. Aug 26 05, 6:18 PM

robboy

Every detail is explored except for the adjective itself, lucullan. Reports have him tagged as being the original introducer to Rome of not only apricot and cherries, but pomegranates and peaches, and although possibly spurious, it would be hard to prove otherwise, considering his experiences in Asia Minor. And I'm a happy guy with them all eventually ending up on my plate. Aug 26 05, 7:26 PM

lanfranco

Mmmm, peaches. Any recipes to offer, Georgia Guy? Aug 26 05, 7:32 PM

peasypod

TT, that expression implies something rather crass and unpolished where I come from....that is, in Calabrese dialect. It is a goodie, though. Aug 26 05, 9:00 PM