President Barack Obama at his Inaugural luncheon Tuesday

By Jordan Wright

President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Luncheon for approximately 200 guests was held Tuesday afternoon at the Capitol’s Statuary Hall after the swearing-in.

The inventive dishes, created by Alexandria-based Design Cuisine as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s favorite foods, were paired with American wines and American-sourced food products.

First course was Seafood Stew prepared with lobster, scallop and shrimp with a crisp pastry lid. It was paired with a 2007 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc from the Napa Valley region.

It was followed by a “Brace of American Birds,” duck and pheasant from Wisconsin’s MacFarlane Pheasants farm, served with a sour cherry chutney and whipped molasses sweet potatoes…a nod to Obama’s affection for Sweet Potato Pie. It was delightfully paired with a 2005 Goldeneye Pinot Noir also from California.

The piece de resistance, and who can resist dessert, was an Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake with Glace Cream which was highlighted by a Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvee” from the spectacular Russian River Valley.

The bottle featured a commemorative neck label featuring the Inaugural Seal.

How many bottles were taken home as souvenirs is anyone’s guess.

Below is the recipe for the Duck Breast with Cherry Chutney. Do try this at home!

Continue reading Alexandria caterer prepares Obama’s Swearing-in luncheon