WASHINGTON — As the White House shuts down tours to save money amid widespread federal budget cuts, President Barack Obama is hoping to break the gridlock by hosting Republican lawmakers at a swanky downtown D.C. restaurant.
The bipartisan dinner will occur Wednesday night at the Jefferson Hotel, whose tony Plume restaurant offers such exquisite dining experiences as the "1776 Food and Wine Experience" tasting menu, which will set back the average diner a cool $1,776.
According to Plume's website, it has been "voted Washington, DC's best fine dining restaurant by Zagat" and provides diners with "a discreet and elegant backdrop to the culinary artistry of our award-winning executive chef, Chris Jakubiec."
"Choose a cozy nook or a table by our inviting fireplace as you savor classic dishes crafted using traditional techniques and seasonal restaurant menus that are inspired by the harvest from Thomas Jefferson's kitchen gardens at Monticello," the website advises.
If members are hoping for a glass of wine before dinner, the restaurant boasts a cellar with more than 1,300 labels, incuding the "rare" 1780 Borges Madeira Bual, as well as vintages "Jefferson himself enjoyed in his time as well as newer wines he might select were he alive today."
The prix fixe menu runs $85 per person, with selections like Lobster "Thermidor," Rabbit Charcuterie, and a Golden Beet Soup that includes "Quail Egg, Horseradish Crème Fraîche, Chives." Want to add an artisanal cheese plate? Just throw in an extra $18 and it can be yours.
The Plume also offers a decadent desert list for members to choose from, including a 1924 Castarède Armagnac, which is a bargain at $240.