Listen in as we discuss Presidential food fights, war heroes and turkeys, and the influences of some of our First Ladies. Our Inauguration Foods episode takes a look at Inauguration Luncheon and Ball menus through the ages and discuss how personalities are reflected in food choices.
A Brief History of Inauguration Foods
The year 2021 is linked to the inauguration of the new president. And just like all other historical events, this one is also linked to foods. So, we get excited over 40 years of Inauguration meals history. We mention the appetizing courses of many presidents and compare them to each other.
Inauguration Day is when we realize that foods represent our personalities and philosophies. For example, we’ll be talking about two different inauguration meals from the late 1800s. The first one was for the inauguration of James Buchanan on March 4th, 1857. He had huge quantities of sumptuous food accompanied by expensive wine and a 4 feet tall cake.
On the other hand, Abraham Lincoln had his inauguration on March 4th, 1861. His menu was very simplistic. Where his inauguration was a luncheon, Buchanan had a ball. Lincoln had a “food for fuel” perspective and so didn’t have much insight into the cuisine, which is why his simplified menu.
Fast forward to 1981, Ronald Reagan’s inauguration meal was a reflection of California food. The first course included California garden salad, and the second course had medallions of chicken piquant. Other foods included were sauteèd chicken breast covered with white wine and capers, rice pilaf, hot asparagus with lemon vinaigrette, and for dessert, strawberries with raspberry sauce were served.
As for Reagan’s second inauguration, the menu’s first course was a hot mousse of sole, sauteèd spinach with lobster and shrimp and truffle sauce. The second course had veal medallions with morel sauce, glazed vegetables, wild rice with chestnuts, and cold praline soufflè with raspberry sauce for dessert. As one can see, his second meal was divorced from the first California cuisine.
It’s interesting how the traditions of Inauguration Day have influenced the meals and how one can peek through various presidents’ personalities in their selection of foods. Which meal would you like to be a part of? Let us know your thoughts!
Inauguration Foods Transcript
🎧 Click here for the full, interactive transcript of this episode 🎧
Sources We Found Helpful for this Episode
Books We Think You’ll Enjoy Reading
Presidential Inaugurations by Paul F. Boller, Jr
Recipes You Really Need to Try
Episodes We Think You’ll Like
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Inauguration Foods