Presidential Pallet

Is there anything this man can't do?  He's an inspiring teacher.  An eloquent writer.  Talented food critic.  Stirring public speaker.  Loving father & husband.  The President!  Wait, food critic?  Yep, you can add opinionated food critic to Barack Obama's laundry list of accomplishments.  In 2001 now President Obama was a guest on Chicago area's restaurant review program, Check Please!  His pick, Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop, a casual locals' spot serving up a marriage of Cajun, Creole, & Southern dishes.  Think fried catfish, black eyed peas, cobbler, and sweet tea (sounds like home!).  The episode was shelved after its recording because then Senator Obama was just a tad too eloquent.  Obama waxes philosophic about the simple flavors of johnny cakes & peach cobbler while emphasizing the importance of small business on the south side of Chicago.  Gourmet, Dixie Kitchen decidedly is not, it's just "food that tastes good for a good price."

Subtle gourmet flavors may not be at the top of Obama's list, but this afternoon's inaugural luncheon menu is anything but simple.  The inaugural A-listers will start off with a seafood stew of scallops, shrimp & lobster followed by a bevy of "American birds."  Duck breast with sour cherry chutney, herb roasted pheasant with wild rice stuffing, and sweet potatoes coupled with other winter vegetables make up the elaborate lunch menu, rounded out by cinnamon apple sponge cake with sweet cream glaze.  Apples and duck are clear nods toward classic American cuisine, but where's the peach cobbler?  Well, it may not be johnny cakes and gumbo, but it doesn't sound half bad.

Image, ethicurean.com