January 8, 2008

Bourdain

My fellow Foodies, Rachel Ray Haters, and lovers of a good laugh:
Anthony Bourdain has started a blog via travel channel (yay!), and this latest entry is sublime. This is why I love the guy so much -- chutzpah.

Bourdain Blog Link

Political Meals

I’m in a political kind of mood. So, I’ve decided to figure out what I would make for each of the Democratic front runners should they stop by for dinner. Even though I'm a Democrat, this entry wouldn’t be nearly as interesting with only three meals, and Huckabee is such a nut I think he’d actually be fun to have over for dinner!



Hillary Clinton:











For a woman of such strong ambition, worldliness, and poise, I’d go for something elegant, yet earthy. I’m thinking simple French country food fits the bill (haha no pun intended). I know the French aren’t exactly America’s favorite bunch, but when it comes to food one should NEVER discriminate -- good food is good food.

-Assorted French Cheeses and good crusty bread

-Frisee & Mache Salad with Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnuts

-Coq Au Vain (a classic chicken dish made with bacon and red wine)
(I don’t have my own recipe for this. I can tell you that Martha Stewart has a good recipe though, and that’s the one I use.)

-Oven Frites (Fancy word for fries)

-Haricot Vert with Shallots and Thyme

-Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Coulis


John Edwards:






He just says America to me, but an America of the past. He has a can-do attitude, and has so much hope for the country -- so let’s give him a meal that’s grown in local soil, down home, and comfy. Fyi, did you know that Blueberries are a native North American fruit, and before mass production could only be found here?

-Assorted Cheddar Cheeses, Sliced Granny Smith Apples, and Crackers

-Wild Mushroom Barley Soup with Sage Sausage

-Baked Ham with Cloves and Brown Sugar Glaze

-Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans

-Bitter Greens with Caramelized Onions

-Wild Blueberry Pie with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream


Barack Obama:









Besides being stoic and intelligent, he also has one of those great mish-mashed backgrounds, has lived all over the place, and can appreciate a “foreign” palate. His original ideas, and hope for unity have made people stand up and pay attention. I think bringing the flavors of another American minority group would be fun, in this case Latino.

-Platanos with Cilantro-Cashew Pesto (Platanos are sliced fried Green Plantains)

-Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

-Shrimp and Mussels in a Garlic-Lime-White Wine Broth

-Aromatic Rice

-Avocado & Jicama Salad

-Tropical Fruit Salad with Shredded Coconut


Mike Huckabee:







Like I said, he’s a nut. But nut’s can be fun (as long as I don’t talk politics to this one, I’ll be ok). However, since he is a nut, I’m not gonna push him too far and make him stuff he’d look quizzically at. Let’s keep it simple and easy but still yummy.

-Spiced Mixed Nuts (hehe there has to be something crazy)

-Butter Lettuce Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Vinaigrette

-Blue Cheese Stuffed Sirloin Burgers

-Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes

-Creamed Spinach

-Baked Apples