Laudator Temporis Acti

Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), Sybil, Book I, Chapter V:

'Well, society may be in its infancy,' said Egremont, slightly smiling; 'but, say what you like, our Queen reigns over the greatest nation that ever existed.'

'Which nation?' asked the younger stranger, 'for she reigns over two.'

The stranger paused; Egremont was silent, but looked inquiringly.

'Yes,' resumed the younger stranger after a moment's interval. 'Two nations; between whom there is no intercourse and no sympathy; who are as ignorant of each other's habits, thoughts, and feelings, as if they were dwellers in different zones, or inhabitants of different planets; who are formed by a different breeding, are fed by a different food, are ordered by different manners, and are not governed by the same laws.'

'You speak of—' said Egremont, hesitatingly.

'THE RICH AND THE POOR.'

"Fed by a different food" indeed. State Dinner In Honor of The Right Honorable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada, and Mrs. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, The White House, March 10, 2016:

The first course is a baked Alaskan Halibut "Casserole" accented with delicate angel hair asparagus, chanterelles and spring onion from a farm in Ohio, and finished with herbed butter sourced from Mrs. Obama's White House Kitchen Garden. This will be served in individual tureens from the Obama State China service; this occasion is the first time these tureens have been used.

The next course is a composed salad of thin slivered, roasted apricots in ginger, cardamom, and White House Honey, with crystal lettuce, young arugula, and variegated spinach. It is garnished with pine nut crisps and shaved Appalachian cheese from Galax, Virginia. With sweet and salty, and soft and crunchy, all in one dish, the salad has a wonderful juxtaposition of flavors and textures.

The main course highlights tender lamb from Colorado, accented with an herb crust. It is accompanied by Yukon Gold potato dauphinoise and lightly sautéed varieties of spring vegetables. As a finishing touch, the dish is drizzled with Yukon Jack Canadian Whisky.

Keeping with the dinner theme, the dessert course reflects the memory of winter and celebrates the coming of spring. Guests will be served a cake with delicate nuances of toasted Texas pecans and caramelized New England maple syrup. The cake is accompanied by creamy, butterscotch swirl ice cream, vanilla scented California strawberries, and a crispy cocoa nib wafer.

Inspired by the splendor of the Rocky Mountains, which extend from New Mexico to Canada, "A View from the Mountain Top" is a sugar sculpture, handmade by Chef Morrison, that illustrates the region's breathtaking scenery. Using a variety of pastries with American and Canadian influences, the display depicts a dramatic landscape surrounded by stunning wilderness, forested basins, and lush valleys mirrored with turquoise waters. Included in this design are cranberry squares, white chocolate snowballs, golden raisin tarts, fleur de sel caramels, and chocolate coconut slices.

This is the same Right Honorable Justin Trudeau who recently insulted the citizens of the United States with these patronizing, condescending words:

I just felt like it might be nice if they paid a little more attention to the world. So having a little more of an awareness of what's going on in the rest of the world, I think, is what many Canadians would hope for Americans.

Ignorant hicks, those Americans.


Eli Jacobi (1898-1984), Mission Fare
My idea of a proper state dinner, with ordinary people in attendance:


Russell Lee (1903-1986), Serving up the barbeque
at the Pie Town, New Mexico, Fair (Library of Congress)
Related posts:

• Let Them Eat Cake
• The Blessings of Plenty