The Inaugural luncheon menu
I'll try not to overwhelm you with Inauguration food posts. Oh, heck, why not? Here's the first one: the menu for the Inaugural luncheon, which will follow the swearing in of the President and Vice-President.
It will be an intimate affair, only about 200 guests. The menu is based on foods favored by Abraham Lincoln. Apparently he liked wild game, oysters, root vegetables, and apples or apple cake for dessert.
The first course will be served on replicas of china (pictured) selected by Mary Todd Lincoln, the President's wife.
Here's the link to the recipes. ...
The 2009 Inaugural Luncheon Menu
First Course
Seafood stew
Duckhorn Vineyards, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Second Course
A brace of American birds (pheasant and duck), served with sour cherry chutney and molasses
Sweet potatoes
Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Third Course
Apple-cinnamon sponge cake and sweet cream glacé
Korbel Natural "Special Inaugural Cuvée," California sparkling wine
(Photo courtesy of the Inauguration Web site)
Comments
is the china the set that Mrs. Shrub purchased for her going away present?
Posted by: Joyce W. | January 9, 2009 12:17 PM
I'm going down for Inauguration Day, and I can just about guarantee that my lunch will be nothing like this.
Posted by: Lissa | January 9, 2009 1:12 PM
I can definitely support a president who doesn't hide that he's drinking with lunch on his first day on the job.
Posted by: Sarah | January 9, 2009 1:13 PM
I just posted about the new White House china here. The new china (all half million of it) is magnolia for casual and eagle with green basketweave for the formal.
Posted by: Pigtown | January 9, 2009 1:32 PM
I am impressed with the serving of Abraham Lincoln's favorite foods. Simple and yet elegant. Mrs. Lincoln's choice of china is lovely, and the Obamas choosing that particular china is poignant to me. It says a lot about their values and their historical perspective.
Posted by: M.F. Jones | January 9, 2009 4:17 PM
The Inaugural Luncheon (which has been hosted by Congress since 1953) will be held in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, so I doubt that any White House china will be used at that event.
Posted by: hmpstd | January 9, 2009 4:48 PM
M.F. Jones,
I agree, the idea of serving a meal that would appeal to President Lincoln is a great idea. You couldn't have said it better. I understand President-elect Obama is a great admirer of Lincoln. And with the country in the position Obama inherits it, perhaps it is apropos.
Posted by: PCB Rob | January 9, 2009 5:48 PM
I know the Country is in a tough position now, but I don't think it is anywhere near the situation that Lincoln met. I mean I can still go to South Carolina without a passport.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | January 11, 2009 9:33 AM
Thanks Pigtown! It's beautiful! I love the Obamas' taste in china!
Posted by: Dottie | January 11, 2009 9:38 PM
Dottie,
The china on Pigtown's site is stuff the Bushes ordered like two years ago. It takes that long to handpaint all the pieces.
Posted by: PCB Rob | January 12, 2009 1:20 PM
umm... i dont reallt think that Obama's daughters are about to eat duck. how about his hometown Chicago's deep dish pizza? :p
Posted by: cassie | January 16, 2009 2:15 PM
Mason Dixon Dude, I really hope the anti-semitism that I think I'm reading in your post is a mistake on my part...
I think that comment will have to disappear. EL
Posted by: Joyce W. | January 21, 2009 5:45 AM
I am glad there was a nice luncheon for the Obamas after the swearing in. Although some people may criticize the cost during the current economic climate, they need to realize that the luncheon boosted the economy. The luncheon provided employment for the caterers, florists, food suppliers, truck drivers, etc.
Posted by: Mike D. | January 21, 2009 12:41 PM
Sounds like trickle down economics.
Posted by: Elite Elephant Lover | January 21, 2009 2:56 PM