Grid 2 and The Land O' Lincoln Luncheon

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies today announced the details for the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon, which will follow the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. Coincidentally or not today I was informed that my volunteer job with the Presidential Inaugural Committee will have me stationed in Grid 2 on the Mall on January 20.


Grid 2! I think that means I will be the Obama food taster or perhaps the Sasha and Malia wrangler!

Hopefully Grid 2 is nothing like Area 51.

The details of the luncheon have been designed to reflect the theme of the 2009 Inaugural ceremonies, "A New Birth of Freedom," which celebrates the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln.

The menu, draws on historic ties to the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Growing up like me in the frontier regions of Kentucky and Indiana, the sixteenth President favored simple foods including root vegetables and wild game. As his tastes matured, he became fond of stewed and scalloped oysters. For dessert or a snack, nothing pleased him more than a fresh apple or an apple cake.

At my house we favored grilled PBJ sandwiches, butter burgers and wholesome Twinkie cupcakes.

The 2009 Inaugural Land O' Lincoln Luncheon Menu

First Course

Seafood Stew
Duckhorn Vineyards, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Second Course

A Brace of American Birds (pheasant and duck), served with Sour Cherry Chutney and Molasses Sweet Potatoes
Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

Third Course

Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake and Sweet Cream Glacé
Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée,” California Champagne