Scene: Bistro Campagne, on Lincoln Avenue (home of the former Villa Kula).

I receive a salad with several biscotti-shaped slices of toast. As is my way with unfamiliar delicacies, I put them to the side of the plate, far away from the actual food. After a while, Eric decides to try one.

Me: How is it?
Eric: (crunching) Like a crouton. But sort of Melba-toasty.
Me: Who invented Melba toast, anyway? Who's Melba?

Pause.

Me: Isn't that where Napoleon lived?

Eric looks surprised.

Eric: (patiently) No...that was the Island of Elba.

Pause.

Eric: He lived there with his first wife, Peaches.

End of scene.

Want to learn more? The history of Melba toast.