Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been responsible for the planning and execution of the swearing-in ceremonies and the luncheon for the Inauguration of the President of the United States at the U.S. Capitol. Obama’s first-term luncheon menu paid tribute to the bicentennial of the birth of fellow presidential Illinoisan Abraham Lincoln with some historically appropriate, Lincoln approved dishes: lots of root vegetables, stewed oysters and "A Brace of American Birds" — pheasant and duck — served with Sour Cherry Chutney and Molasses Sweet Potatoes. Today's lunch will pay homage to American agriculture with the theme of “Faith in America’s Future.” The vegetables are from Virginia, the lobster is from Maine, the bison is from South Dakota, and wines — a 2010 Tierce Finger Lakes Dry Riesling, a 2009 Bedell Cellars Merlot and a special Korbel Natural, Special Inaugural Cuvée California Champagne — are from New York and California. Check out the menu below and click through each dish for the recipes
First Course: Steamed Lobster with New England Clam Chowder Sauce
Lobster Tails
New England Clam Chowder Sauce
Sautéed Spinach
Sweet Potato Hay
Second Course: Hickory Grilled Bison with Red Potato Horseradish Cake and Wild Huckleberry Reduction
Bison
Butternut Squash Purée
Baby Golden Beets and Green Beans
Red Potato Horseradish Cake
Strawberry Preserve and Red Cabbage
Wild Huckleberry Reduction
Third Course: Hudson Valley Apple Pie with Sour Cream Ice Cream, Aged Cheese and Honey
Pie Dough
Cinnamon Crumble
Apples
Sour Cream Ice Cream
Maple Caramel Sauce
Garnish
Artisan Cheeses