The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has released the menu for the luncheon following the Onaugural Ceremony. It's Lincolncentric, and Californiacentric, in a symbolic blend of reflected glory. The food choices are based on Lincoln's favorite dishes, and the wines are from California, in homage to President Lincoln's 1864 Yosemite Grant, which reserved the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Giant Sequias as open parkland. The meal will be served on replicas of Lincoln’s White House china, pictured above.Appetizer
Seafood Stew
Paired with Duckhorn Vineyards, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley.
Entree
Brace of American birds (pheasant and duck), served with Sour Cherry Chutney and Molasses Sweet Potatoes
Paired with Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley.
Dessert
Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake and Sweet Cream Glacé.
Paired with Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée,” California Champagne.
According to the Inaugural Committee, Honest Abe “favored simple foods, including root vegetables and wild game. As his tastes matured, he become fond of stewed and scalloped oysters. For dessert or a snack, nothing pleased him more than a fresh apple or an apple cake.”
The wines are all from California, home state of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Congressional Inaugural Committee. But let's be honest--despite salvos from other states, California manages to produce the finest American wines. To drive home the Lincoln/California theme, Thomas Hill’s painting, View of the Yosemite Valley, will hang behind the head table during the luncheon:
President Lincoln had a far less grand meal after his inauguration in 1861. He dined at the Willard Hotel on corned-beef and cabbage and blackberry pie, according to the hotel.
*Want to cook the same lunch for your own Inauguration celebration? Go here for Onaugural recipes, and good luck!
*A history of past Inaugural luncheons is here.
