The Inaugural Luncheon Menu

Guests at the inaugural luncheon after Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States were treated to seafood stew, duck and pheasant, sponge cake and California wines.

And they toasted the new president with a Korbel Natural “Special Inauguration Cuvee” California Champagne.

The first course, a seafood stew filled with lobster, scallops, shrimp and cod, was served with Duckhorn Vineyards' 2007 Sauvignon Blanc.

The main course, a brace of duck and pheasant served with sour cherry chutney, molasses whipped sweet potatoes and winter vegetables, was accompanied by Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir, from California's Anderson Valley.

Cinnamon apple sponge cake recipe to follow!

Happy New Year 2009!

My Locavore Seattle Campaign

Mid way through 2008 I started journaling about this personal pursuit to eat within a 100 mile radius from wherever I might be living or visiting. I started calling it my locavore challenge, though it really has evolved into an ongoing campaign for me.

Here are my top 3 A-ha's:
1. I splurged on decadent items like fresh local eggs when eggs were my star ingredient. Local does taste better and generally, I found the farmer's market to cost less than at my grocery store.

2. I switched to a seasonal diet. Seasonality redefined the way I ate back then and continues to influence my grocery shopping habits today. Obviously I indulge in a few treats and I do enjoy going out to eat, but generally, I try to stick to my rule of selecting ingredients that experience the least amount of travel to me.

3. Most importantly, I am more informed about the what I eat. Today this campaign includes more reading, asking more questions and wrestling with a myriad of federal guidelines, farming practices & the ideals of sustainability.

Looking forward to 2009
My closest friends know that I've struggled with my weight for years now. I think they would agree that this campaign has helped to alleviate some of the "weighty-issues" that have so preoccupied my time. The locavore campaign has brought on a new and holistic self perspective to living, eating and finding real enjoyment from food. I am excited about the new year. My focus is to achieve optimum health through exercise and mindful eating, to practice wellness with family & friends and of course to have more fun too.