Although this inauguration isn’t expected to attract the throngs of visitors as it did four years ago, Washington D.C. is still preparing for some big parties as President Barack Obama is sworn in for his second term.
One of the main events and oldest inaugural traditions is the ultimate presidential power lunch: the Inaugural Luncheon.
About 200 guests, including President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, their families as well as cabinet members, leaders of Congress and Supreme Court justices, diplomats and others, will attend the Jan. 21 event, hosted by members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. The traditional luncheon will be held at the National Statuary Hall in the Capitol Building following President Obama's swearing-in.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, chairman of the Rules Committee and responsible for overseeing the inaugural festivities, said Wednesday the “ luncheon menu incorporates foods that the first Americans enjoyed, but with a modern, forward looking approach.”
It was put together by the committee and Arlington, Va.-based catering company Design Cuisine, and includes California champagne.
It will be the first time in modern history that New York wines will be served at the Inaugural Luncheon. A 2010 Tierce Dry Riesling -- one of only four Rieslings to receive a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition-- will be served with the first course, which is steamed lobster with New England chowder.
Guest will be entertained by the Rochester’s Eastman String Quartet that will perform songs like “America the Beautiful” and Mozart’s Quartet in C Major, surrounded by orange themes floral arrangements by Jesse Bailey of Alexandria, Va.’s Jack Lucky Floral. The historic iron Lincoln Table, which was made for Abraham Lincoln’s second inauguration from the materials that were used for the Capitol dome’s decorative touches, will hold flags flown during previous inaugurations.
Here’s a closer look at the menu:
First course: Steamed lobster with New England chowder; Anthony Road Winery, Fox Run Vineyards & Newt Red Cellars, Tierce 2010 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, NY
Second course: Hickory grilled bison with wild huckleberry reduction and red potato horseradish cake; Bedell Cellars, 2009 Merlot, North Fork, Long Island
Third course: Hudson Valley apple pie, sour cream ice cream, aged cheese and honey; Korbel Natural, Special Inaugural Cuveìe Champagne, California
The luncheon marks the 150th anniversary of the placement of the Statue of Freedom on top of the new Capitol Dome.
See recipes and learn more about the inaugural feast here
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