Where to Go in DC (for the Inauguration)

[Halloween]

It has become obvious to me that the NYT has our number. Published yesterday, this article suggests 19 restaurants and other establishments where people should eat when they're in town for the inauguration.

Here's the link: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01...116_DC_MAP.html. (After all these years, I still don't know how to post a link!)

The restaurants are:

Palena

Dino

Cashion's

Cafe Milano

Citronelle

Marvin

Al Crostino

Cork

Posto

Ben's Chili Bowl

Vinoteca

9:30 Club (they sell food?)

Zaytina

Central

Ten Penh

Proof

Oyamel

The Source

Rasika

[legant]

[Not sure if this shouldn't be posted in Help Needed...]

Where to go to watch the inauguration? Somewhere far from the maddening crowd?

[Pool Boy]

I thought Sietsama's suggestions for the Obamas to go to and try (Obelisk and Palena) were spot on. In fact, he suggested table 31 at Palena -- which is *my favorite* table at Palena too.

OK, and now I resolve to go back to Obelisk. It's been way, way, way, Waaaaaaaaaaay too long since I have been there (I am ashamed to admit it's been probably 7 or 8 years).

[Caterina]

The Willard Room Welcomes You in Celebration of the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama January 18-20, 2009

The Willard Room Presidential Menu

Rarely do we associate presidents with culinary events but each president has had his favorite dishes. The Willard Room offers a selection of favorite presidential meals for you dining pleasure during the 2009 Inaugural Festivities

Soup and Salad

Oyster and Applewood Smoked Bacon Chowder $14

Inspired by President Abraham Lincoln

Growing up in the frontier regions of Kentucky and Indiana, Lincoln favored simple foods including

root vegetables and wild game. As his tastes matured, he became fond of stewed oysters.

Winter Vegetable Salad, Banyuls Vinaigrette $15

Inspired by President Thomas Jefferson

Although he lived long ago, Jefferson’s way of eating was surprisingly modern. He ate meat sparingly and loved fresh vegetables from his garden. Jefferson had a passion for his garden in Monticello, Virginia and was known to have grown more than fifty varieties of peas.

Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Tartar Sauce $22

Inspired by President Lyndon B. Johnson

It is said that after LBJ signed the Social Security act of 1965, he proceeded to a local watering hole in Georgetown and dined on one of his favorite local foods, Maryland Crab, which to this very day enchants people from all over the world.

Mixed Romaine Caesar Salad $12

Inspired by President Richard Nixon

Nixon loved Caesar salad and we are quite sure it was a staple in the White House. The salad was invented in Tijuana in 1924 by Caesar Cardini, he came up with the dish when the Fourth of July rush depleted his kitchen's supplies. Cardini made do with what he had by successfully adding the dramatic

flair of the table-side preparation "by the chef."

Warm Scallop Salad, Avocado, Red Onion, Lime and Chipotle Peppers $19

Inspired by President Jimmy Carter

Raised in Georgia, President Carter enjoyed foods that came from his countryside. As he began

to travel the world he discovered a plentiful variety of foods that were available and took full

advantage to broaden his palate

Entrées

Seared Sable Fish, Leek Fondue, Potatoes, Truffle Cream $38

Inspired by President John Adams

At age 15, young John Adams was admitted to Harvard University and it is said that he detested

the food there. In protest, many of his meals consisted of beer and bread. Later in life, he appreciated and enjoyed simple foods such as fresh fish.

Pan Seared Organic Salmon Filet, Tarbais White Beans, Rosemary Lemon Sauce $35

Inspired by President George H.W. Bush

President Bush, an avid fisherman, once went to Maine on an 18-day vacation. Although he went fishing every day during this trip, he did not catch a fish until the very last day when his grandchildren made signs, saying "You Can Do It" and "Go Catch One!"

FDR Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast, Celery Root, Apple, Walnut and Chicken jus $36

Inspired by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

FDR is considered one the most important presidents to date. Not only was he elected to four terms, he fathered the nation though two very trying periods, the Great depression and the World War II. Employment for the unemployed and “a chicken in every pot” were the themes of the times.

Rack of Shenandoah Lamb, Baby Carrot, Sun Chokes, Lemon Verbena Sauce $45

Inspired by George Washington

For 45 years, George Washington was the master of Mount Vernon and he took his occupation as farmer very seriously. Washington devoted himself to producing bountiful crops. He also maintained livestock which gave him a particular fondness for spring lamb.

Grilled Kobe Flank Steak, Chili Con Carne, Cilantro Garlic Relish $38

Inspired by President Barack Obama

Aside from politics, our newest president loves to make chili. Not long after the November 4th election, the president elect visited world-famous Ben’s Chili Bowl located in the heart of Washington, DC. Can we make chili in the White House? “Yes We Can!”

Desserts

Dolly Madison Ice Cream Sundae $13

Ice Cream was so favored by Dolly Madison that it was served at James Madison’s presidential inauguration in 1813. This modern sundae features chocolate, coffee and hazelnut ice cream with chunks of flowerless chocolate cake, rich mocha sauce, Chantilly cream and crispy chocolate.

Mary Todd Lincoln’s White Almond Cake $13

This recipe dates back to 1825, and was served often at the Lincoln White House. It is paired here

with Mandarin cream, fresh citrus and almond milk sorbet.

Lady Bird Johnson’s Pecan Pie $13

This First Lady handed out her pecan pie recipe during her husband’s presidential campaign.

Our deconstructed version consists of nutty streusel layered with caramel mousse and candied pecans, paired with a bourbon crème anglaise.

The Willard InterContinental

1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC USA, 20004

Tel.202.637.7440

www.washington.intercontinental.com

[Hannah]

FDR Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast, Celery Root, Apple, Walnut and Chicken jus $36

Inspired by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

FDR is considered one the most important presidents to date. Not only was he elected to four terms, he fathered the nation though two very trying periods, the Great depression and the World War II. Employment for the unemployed and “a chicken in every pot” were the themes of the times.

Er, I'm sure there needed to be a chicken dish on the menu, but this is quite a stretch in historical terms. "A chicken in every pot" was one of the slogans for the Republican party in the 1928 election, 4 years before FDR ran. If anything, he would have pointed to this particular slogan as a massive failure.

[zoramargolis]

chunks of flowerless chocolate cake

It's so much tastier when they leave out the chrysanthemums!

[Lydia R]

It has become obvious to me that the NYT has our number. Published yesterday, this article suggests 19 restaurants and other establishments where people should eat when they're in town for the inauguration.

Friday's Washington Business Journal didn't just have our number, author Missy Frederick quoted insights from several DR members.

While the popular places close to the National Mall and the White House likely will be packed once again for the inaugural festivities, the restaurant scene has evolved considerably since the 2004 inauguration. In addition, Obama's historic election, youthfulness and inspirational message are expected to draw crowds that will dwarf that event.

"It hasn't been this way since Clinton the first time around," said Tom Papadopoulos, a restaurant broker.

The enthusiasm could also translate into big business for the city's trendiest neighborhoods and the now-prominent crop of celebrity chef-driven restaurants.

There's also a handy recap of the newly open and the almost open restaurants in town.

[Caterina]

January 19th, 2009

Bahamians Hyped Over Inauguration

By Macushla N. Pinder

Down to hours, the hype surrounding the historic inauguration of US president-elect Barack Obama has not dimmed to any degree across America and for some Bahamians, the excitement began long before he was even nominated.

According to Diana Wallace, manager at Destinations Mall at Marathon location, bookings for the January 20th inauguration in Washington, D.C. event began as early as June 2008.

Mr. Obama did not win the nomination for the key post until August.

"People just came in and said they want to go to Washington. ‘We are going for the inauguration.’ And this was back in June. I asked if they were absolutely sure? But, they bought their tickets and booked their hotels," Ms. Wallace said.

"Shortly after that, you couldn’t find anything. And back then it would have been a whole lot cheaper than it is now."

According to Ms. Wallace, in early November, Destination’s roundtrip airfare to Washington was around $340.

If you haven’t booked a ticket and we are hoping to leave on Monday, January 19th, a return date would be difficult to secure.

"If you were to leave on January 19th and return on January 22nd – there’s nothing available before then – you may get something for almost $900. But that’s airfare alone," Ms. Wallace said.

"We can get you there for a cheaper cost if you’re willing to stay a night in another city."

According to an employee of Premier Travel, little over 100 people booked with the Collins Avenue travel agency to attend the January 20th event.

"A few people even booked online the same night Obama was elected president," the employee told the Bahama Journal. "I think our bookings began as early as November."

Bahamasair promoted an $899 package that included the airfare into Virginia, lodging and transportation at the Renaissance Hotel.

US Air offers a non-stop flight to Washington.

Today (Monday), that flight was sold out with 124 passengers. In fact, reports are that the flight was oversold by three passengers.

For those who were hoping to catch a US Air flight to Washington on January 18th, the only available return was Saturday, January 24th.

When last checked, that ticket fare was pegged at $330.

Hotel rooms have also reportedly become scarce across Washington and in the neighboring states of Virginia and Maryland.

US reports indicate that hotels located along Pennsylvania Avenue, the traditional route of the inauguration parade, have long been booked.

"I got calls from Bahamians as far away as Europe, who wanted me to find a hotel in Washington for them. They were willing to stay within a one-hour’s drive. Of course I wasn’t able to find anything, except maybe a Red Carpet Inn in Baltimore, but this wasn’t to their satisfaction, so we didn’t pursue that anymore," Ms. Wallace said.

"This was in mid-November. By that time, it was much to late to find anything….Unless you have some family member, I don’t think we would be able to get you anything nearby."

Confirming as much were representatives from the historic luxury Willard Hotel in Washington.

"Hotels in the entire Washington D.C. are sold out. In fact, our Jefferson Suite, which is very popular because it faces the inauguration parade route, was sold out four years ago for the inauguration, the Journal was told.

According to one of the hotel’s reps, the Willard’s standard rooms begin at the inagurual price of $949 a night for a minimum of four nights.

Several inagural guests have also reportedly spent thousands of dollars on a special four-night package that entitles them to gifts each evening, including one from Tiffany the jewellers.

Reports are that The Fairmont Hotel is offering an "eco-inaugural" package, which includes four nights in a suite filled with organic materials, a ball gown from an organic designer and the use of a hybrid car. It costs $40,000.

The US government has printed 250,000 tickets for the swearing-in ceremony.

Apart from official inaugural events, including the swearing-in ceremony, parade and balls, many other activities are reportedly scheduled to allow more people to participate.

Mr. Obama is expected to join his Vice President Joe Biden on a celebratory train tour to Washington via Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, Delaware, and Baltimore, Maryland, on Jan. 17.

At last count, a crowd of 4 million strong was expected to attend the historic inauguration of the United States 44th president, Barack Hussein Obama.

[Caterina]

Oh Really...... But Franklin Roosevelt was elected to the New York Senate in 1910. .... Employment for the unemployed and "a chicken in every pot" were the themes of the times. ...

The Question:

Which president promised "a chicken in every pot"?

The Answer:

It wasn't just chicken. During the presidential campaign of 1928, a circular published by the Republican Party claimed that if Herbert Hoover won there would be "a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage."

Despite a landslide victory over Alfred Smith, the first Roman Catholic to run for president, the Republican Party's promise of prosperity was derailed seven months after Hoover took the oath of office. The stock market crash of 1929 plunged the country into the Great Depression and people eventually lost confidence in Hoover.

During his administration, however, there were several impressive accomplishments. He increased the acerage of U.S. national forests and parks by five million. He also worked out the engineering and funding of San Francisco's Bay Bridge, and re-organized the FBI. Despite these undertakings, American voters couldn't be persuded to elect him to a second term. With the Depression at its lowest point, voters elected Franklin D. Roosevelt to replace Hoover in 1932.

Edited January 20, 2009 by Caterina

[Hannah]

Oh Really...... But Franklin Roosevelt was elected to the New York Senate in 1910. .... Employment for the unemployed and "a chicken in every pot" were the themes of the times. ...

The Question:

Which president promised "a chicken in every pot"?

The Answer:

It wasn't just chicken. During the presidential campaign of 1928, a circular published by the Republican Party claimed that if Herbert Hoover won there would be "a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage."

Despite a landslide victory over Alfred Smith, the first Roman Catholic to run for president, the Republican Party's promise of prosperity was derailed seven months after Hoover took the oath of office. The stock market crash of 1929 plunged the country into the Great Depression and people eventually lost confidence in Hoover.

During his administration, however, there were several impressive accomplishments. He increased the acerage of U.S. national forests and parks by five million. He also worked out the engineering and funding of San Francisco's Bay Bridge, and re-organized the FBI. Despite these undertakings, American voters couldn't be persuded to elect him to a second term. With the Depression at its lowest point, voters elected Franklin D. Roosevelt to replace Hoover in 1932.

Yes, but the "theme of the time" you keep pointing at here was the slogan of the opposing party - Roosevelt himself would have been mightily offended by your attaching that particular slogan to his name. The fact that he was in politics at the time is meaningless.

[Caterina]

Yes, but the "theme of the time" you keep pointing at here was the slogan of the opposing party - Roosevelt himself would have been mightily offended by your attaching that particular slogan to his name. The fact that he was in politics at the time is meaningless.

"Nothing to fear but fear itself..." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

.... FDR loved the misquotation and never let it go.. Easily attachable Republican Slogan created and exploited by Democrats. Most slogans get coined or repeated, misquoted all the time...Employment for the unemployed and "a chicken in every pot" were the themes of the times. ...

It fits the time and it's Chicken.

[Caterina]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Its Inauguration Weekend, though it may be hard to believe it's finally here.

Inspired yet?

Ready or Not, Inauguration Weekend is Here

Last Edited: Friday, 16 Jan 2009, 7:29 PM EST

Created: Friday, 16 Jan 2009, 7:29 PM EST

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>> A Capital Change: Inaugural Coverage

By Beth Parker

FOX 5 reporter

Any way you slice it, businesses, residents and visitors all over D.C. are busy getting ready for the main event.

"Our goal is to go beyond everybody's expectation," said Courtney Goldian, the pastry chef at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. "We want to wow every guest."

She will do that with elegant white chocolate White Houses filled with chocolate truffles. One will be in each room especially for their guests.

The wow for Barry Smith is the weather. He usually pedicabs at Universal Studios in Orlando. He came here hoping to make some extra cash, but he's not sure how that'll go.

"Just the amount of people we've heard - ya know," said Smith. "The numbers have varied so much we don't really know what to expect."

But somebody's cashing in. Kelly Karr and Dea Napen are Canadians visiting D.C. They considered sticking around for the Inauguration - until they found out what happens to the price of their hotel on Sunday night.

"Saturday was a $139 and Sunday was $649," Napen said.

[Pat]

The celebrities have not yet all left town. Stevie Wonder was at Tunnicliff's near Eastern Market this afternoon with his entourage, roughly 3:45 to 5:45 PM.