Organized by country, this 1965 cookbook published recipes and old menus from dining legends such as New York’s since-demolished Lüchow’s, Paris’ Lasserre and L.A.’s own Scandia.

How does Pierre know these prices? He's been digging through old menus at the Denver Public Library. He has copies of dozens of old menus now, some that might bring back memories to readers over 40.

In the 1970s, it cost much more to print a menu than it does today. Restaurants did not change them often. When prices rose, they’d retain their old menu—but affix little stickers with the new ...