CNN: January 9, 2009
Obama, Biden inaugural luncheon details released
From CNN's Sarah Parker
The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Friday that the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon will take place in the Statuary Hall in the Capitol and celebrate the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln, following the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
In keeping with the theme, meals will be served on replicas of china used during the Lincoln presidency, boasting the American bald eagle and the U.S. Coat of Arms.
The menu is inspired by the era of Lincoln’s presidency and features courses of seafood stew, pheasant and duck with sweet potatoes and chutney, and apple cinnamon sponge cake for dessert. Carefully-selected wines and champagne will be served to compliment the flavors of the luncheon courses.
Aside from the feast, the event features toasts to the new administration, presentations of gifts given by Congress on behalf of the American people, various speeches, and music by the Smithsonian Chamber Players –- an ensemble known for its performances of period music played on instruments from the museum’s collection.
The inaugural luncheon tradition dates as far back as 1897, when one was held in honor of President McKinley and the U.S. Capitol, though the current practice began in 1953.
Meals will be served on replicas of china used during the Lincoln presidency.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/09/obama-biden-inaugural-luncheon-details-released/