President Obama has been busy working on the unenviable task of fixing the U.S. economy. While that fiasco has been largely a reactive effort, the president is trying to be more proactive by addressing another issue before something equally devastating happens in the food industry.
Obama selects Margaret Hamburg to head FDA.
So, Obama has announced the nomination of former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret Hamburg as FDA commissioner. He’s also selected Baltimore Health Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein as her deputy. The president believes that the food safety system in the U.S. is a “hazard to public health,” and is in bad need of revision.
Barack Obama makes his way up the front steps of the Capitol Building. (Pete Souza)
All eyes are fixed on Washington D.C. this week, as we prepare to welcome in our 44th president, Barack Obama. What might be more fascinating than the poignant speech he’ll make to what is predicted to be the largest gathering of people in the western hemisphere ever, is what Michelle will be wearing, and what the new first couple will be eating.
This morning on the Today Show, Chef Shannon Shaffer of Design Cuisine shared the menu and recipes for the inaugural luncheon, taking place in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall with 230 guests. After leaving the formal inauguration ceremony, where temperatures are expected to be in the 20s, the newly sworn-in president, his family and members of congress will warm up around this beautiful and decadent feast.
Feel free to prepare your own home version of this inaugural meal, with the recipes from all three courses. We’ve also noted the wine pairings being served at the luncheon.
First Course
Seafood Stew. This hearty blend of lobster, scallops, shrimp, cod, root vegetables and seasonings will definitely warm the chilly president. Paired with Duckhorn Vineyards’ 2007 Sauvignon Blanc.
The young daughters of President-Elect Barack Obama will be eating lunches that are healthy and organic at their new school Sidwell-Friends. The lunch menu should be the envy of school cafeterias nationwide. Not only is the food nutritious, it’s stuff kids will actually eat and enjoy. The Obamas are known for eating a lean diet, so it’s possible the quality of food their daughters would be served during the day played a part in their decision.
Sasha Obama, the younger daughter, attends the lower school, where menu items this week included:
- Snacks like zucchini bread or apples and cheese
- French Dip with Au Jus
Obama has completed his cabinet choices and Tom Vilsack was named Secretary of Agriculture. Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times thinks that the incoming Obama administration needs a Secretary of Food rather than a Secretary of Agriculture. With less than two percent of all Americans engaged in agriculture, and last I checked, 100 percent still needing to eat, maybe there’s some merit to this thought.
Kristof argues that the Department of Agriculture focuses on representing the farm lobby instead of people’s nutritional health needs.
THIS is going to be our President!
The Internet is abuzz with recently released photos of a shirtless president-elect Barack Obama as he swims in Hawaii. I just came across the buzz and my first reaction was: WOW!
From Clinton jogging to McDonald’s to George W. Bush clocking a few miles, I can’t really say that a president in recent history has made me take a second look. Until now.
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