State Dinner Menu Is All American

As many careful readers know, we here at the So Good HQ closely track affairs of state – especially when they involve food.   Regarding the current administration, we have covered Obama’s every bite from his first meal in office to his ridiculous birthday cake.   Despite being in office for two years, the president hosted just his third state dinner this past Wednesday, with the guest of honor being President Hu of China.  As you can see from the offerings below, is was very much an American meal – meat/potatoes/apple pie – perhaps at Hu’s request, since he probably wants to see what he’s getting for his money.

THE MENU

First
D’Anjou Pear with Farmstead Goat Cheese Fennel, Black Walnuts, and White Balsamic

Second
Poached Maine Lobster
Orange Glaze Carrots and Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Wine: DuMol Chardonnay “Russian River” 2008 (California)

Lemon Sorbet

Main
Dry Aged Rib Eye with Buttermilk Crisp Onions
Double Stuffed Potatoes and Creamed Spinach
Wine: Quilceda Creek Cabernet “Columbia Valley” 2005 (Washington State)

Dessert
Old Fashioned Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
Wine: Poet’s Leap Riesling “Botrytis” 2008 (Washington State)

Does anything on the menu surprise you?  For me it was the double-stuffed potatoes, which I’m sure were delicious, but seem a little informal for the occasion.  They were probably intended to be a good metaphor for the American physique.

H/t to Huffington c/o the AP for the picture.  And for those craving an exclusive Obama foodie experience, check out the blog Obama Foodarama.  There’s niche, and then there’s niche.