What was on the menu for Obama's GOP dinner?
Motioning progress in a long-stalled budget battle between the White House and congressional Republicans, President Obama invited 12 GOP senators to join him for dinner at the Jefferson Hotel - a few blocks from the White House - Wednesday night, where they reportedly enjoyed high-end seafood and wine from the cellar.
Executive chef Chris Jakubiec's Maryland blue crab risotto, filet of prime beef and lobster thermidor were some of the most popular dishes at the table, according to a release from the Jefferson. The president's guest list included Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., Tom Coburn, R-Okla., Bob Corker, R-Tenn., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., Dan Coats, R-Ind., Richard Burr, R-N.C., Mike Johanns, R-Neb., Pat Toomey, R-Penn., Ron Johnson, R-Wis., John Hoeven, R-N.D., Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
In its recap the Jefferson also answered the lingering question of who picked up the tab: Mr. Obama billed the meal directly to the White House.
Here's what was on the menu for the elite political gathering:
Appetizers
Golden Beet Soup with Quail Egg, Horseradish Creme Fraiche, and Chives
Hamachi Tartar with Shishito & Jalapeño Condiment, Pickled Vegetable Spaghetti, and Cucumber Gelée
Maryland Blue Crab Risotto with Crab Emulsion, and Espelette
Raw and Cooked Vegetable Salad with Asparagus Marmalade, Seasonal Truffle, and Verjus Dressing
Entrees
Roasted Striped Bass with Baby Artichokes Two Ways, Braised "Barigoule" & "Chips," and Warm Parmesan Vinaigrette
Colorado Lamb Acaí with Grilled Loin Medallion, Acaí-Braised Lamb Canneloni & Jus, and Okra Tempura
Filet of Prime Beef with Truffled Potato Mousseline, Bone Marrow, and Madeira Jus
Lobster "Thermidor" with White Wine & Saffron Glacage, Dijon Mustard, Herbed Baby Potatoes
Dessert
Peanut Butter Crumble with Caramel Apple, California Medjool Date Emulsion, and Quince Sorbet
Heart of Guana Chocolate Tart with Passionata Cremeux and Sumatra Coffee Ice Cream
Iced Tahitian Vanilla and Praline Bar with Mango Chutney, Saffron Pistils, Coconut Rocks, and Kalamansi Caviar
