master-cooks | The Unexpected Last Meal Of Famous Mobster Bugsy Siegel

Bugsy Siegel, the notorious mobster known for his role in the development of the Las Vegas Strip, met an unexpected fate in 1947. On the evening of June 20, Siegel was at his girlfriend Virginia Hill's Beverly Hills home. Unbeknownst to him, this would be his last night alive. As he sat down for dinner, he enjoyed a simple yet elegant meal that included broiled chicken, a leafy green salad, and potatoes. The setting was serene, offering no hint of the impending chaos. Siegel was relaxed and in good spirits, discussing future plans and business ventures with his companion. Despite his glamorous lifestyle and connections to the criminal underworld, the atmosphere was surprisingly domestic. However, the tranquility was shattered when an unknown assailant fired at Siegel through the window, fatally wounding him. The meal, which began as an ordinary dinner, turned into an infamous moment in mob history. Siegel's sudden death marked the end of an era and left many questions unanswered about the betrayal that led to his assassination. This unexpected last meal remains a poignant reminder of the volatile and perilous nature of life within organized crime.

A deeper dive into Bugsy SIegel's seafood choice

While it is thought that Bugsy Siegel's mob associates from the East Coast had him killed due to his mishandling of the Flamingo's construction, no one has ever faced justice for his murder. Likewise, there remains some uncertainty about Siegel's last meal. We know that his friend, crooner Frank Sinatra, enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich as his final dish, but details about the seafood Siegel consumed are less clear. The LA Times and various other sources, including a biography of Siegel, only specify the type of fish he selected that evening. However, a blog titled "Dining with the Don" claims that Siegel had grilled trout for his last meal.

Grilled trout is a traditional dish, as this firm fish holds up well when cooked over an open flame. Another possible option can be found on a menu from Jack's at the Beach dating back to the 1940s. Jack Compselides originally opened Jack's as a seafood shack in 1917. In the summer of 1947, he moved and launched a more upscale version at Ocean Park. When Siegel dined there for his final meal, the restaurant had just opened two days prior. The menu featured a house specialty: sautéed speckled Colorado mountain trout amandine, which could also have been Siegel's last choice. The YouTube channel "The Last Supper" suggests that Siegel actually had fried shrimp and French fries that night, but it provides no supporting evidence. Perhaps, like the enigmas surrounding his murder, the truth about his final meal will remain forever elusive.

The Unexpected Last Meal Of Famous Mobster Bugsy Siegel

A deeper dive into Bugsy SIegel's seafood choice

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