Feasting in State: Obama’s First Real State Dinner

In the next week, we will see real-time examples of a few of the different types of feasts common to American culture: Thanksgiving — essentially a harvest feast tinged with overtones of cultural identity — and President Barack Obama’s first true State Dinner, to be held on November 24, 2009 for India’s Prime Minister Manmohan … More Feasting in State: Obama’s First Real State Dinner

Lobster Bisque and Striped Bass à la President Barack Obama

On February 24, 2009, President Barack Obama lunched on lobster bisque and striped bass, along with TV anchors due to report on his “state of the nation” speech. Very interesting was a brief mention of the Obamas’ “family dinners”: He cherishes family dinner in the White House, where “thorns and roses” is now the favorite … More Lobster Bisque and Striped Bass à la President Barack Obama

The Willard Hotel, and a Near Brush with Obama’s Motorcade

See all photos (unedited) by clicking HERE: Last night’s dinner at the historic Willard Hotel almost didn’t happen because as we walked down 15th St., we couldn’t cross the street because the police had cordoned off the street to await the Obama motorcade’s passing through on the way to Blair House. But at one point … More The Willard Hotel, and a Near Brush with Obama’s Motorcade

At the Edge of Change: Blogging Live From Washington, DC and the Inauguration of President Barack Obama

Starting tomorrow, after tonight’s dinner at the Willard Hotel, “Gherkins & Tomatoes” will share every tiny crumb possible with readers about G&T’s food experiences during the inaugural frenzy in Washington, DC. A most pressing concern is how to get some food into the VIP area for the Swearing-In ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. It … More At the Edge of Change: Blogging Live From Washington, DC and the Inauguration of President Barack Obama

Inaugural Luncheon 2009: Menu and Details

According to an e-mail from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon looks like this. Note that recipes are also included; click for a .pdf file of the recipes. Around 200 guests will attend this exclusive luncheon in Statuary Hall. Design Cuisine, a top-flight caterer in Washington, designed the menu, which … More Inaugural Luncheon 2009: Menu and Details

All the Presidents’ Tables: Ex-Presidents Dine with President Obama

From a White House press release, January 7, 2009: PRESIDENT BUSH: I want to thank the President-elect for joining the ex-Presidents for lunch. And one message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we’re Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country. And to … More All the Presidents’ Tables: Ex-Presidents Dine with President Obama