When the French ambassador visited Persia in 1672, he and his entourage were given one of the great meals in all of history. First, a golden tablecloth was spread on the floor, and on it were several kinds of bread. They were then served a dozen basins of pilau or pilaf (generally a dish with rice and meat) as well as Pomegranate juice and Saffron. Four of the main entrees had 12 birds in the rice, and four others included a whole lamb each. The plates were so heavy that the diners needed help from porters to unload them. According to one account, each dish weighed 80 pounds, and just one could have satisfied everyone.