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Washington DC restaurants join Trump's inauguration fanfare

19 January 2025 at 08:26

Washington, D.C., is preparing for the inauguration of the 47th President Donald J. Trump on Monday, even as extreme weather has pushed the swearing-in ceremony indoors.

Inauguration Day begins with that ceremony at noon. It concludes with official inaugural balls, according to Destination DC.

A number of restaurants throughout the greater D.C. area are featuring inauguration-inspired specials and experiences to mark the event, they told Fox News Digital earlier this week.Β 

WHAT'S ON THE MENU FOR DONALD TRUMP'S INAUGURAL LUNCHEON?

Here are some stand-out offerings at D.C. restaurants.Β 

At the Watergate Hotel, visitors can mark the inauguration at The Next Whisky Bar to celebrate one of President Trump's favorites with an elevated twist, the Presidential Stack.Β 

This dish features a gourmet take on the classic burger, paired with golden truffle fries and a bucket of Diet Cokes for the ultimate nod to Trump.Β 

Also available at The Next Whisky Bar is the Presidential Bites Flight, a selection of luxe small plates created to define the occasion.Β 

Savor black truffle sliders with wagyu beef, mini lobster rolls created from Maine lobster, caviar, yuzu aioli and foie gras.Β 

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Save room for oysters with caviar, served alongside traditional accouterments, and be sure to sip champagne.

"In honor of this historic inauguration, we crafted a menu that balances playfulness and sophistication, embodying the celebratory spirit of the Watergate Hotel," executive chef Tony DiGregorio told Fox News Digital.Β 

"From the indulgent Presidential Stack to the curated bites flight, every dish pays homage to tradition with an elevated twist."

At the Salamander Washington D.C., consider booking the "Table 47 Experience."Β 

FAVORITE FOODS OF TRUMP AND HARRIS, PLUS OTHER NOTABLE DISHES OF PRESIDENTS AND VICE PRESIDENTS

The special menu for two includes whiskey, wine and culinary bites by executive chef Walter Alvarado.Β 

"Guests and locals alike can indulge in the Table 47 Experience, featuring rare whiskeys, vintage wines and expertly curated bites," Alvarado told Fox News Digital.Β 

"We are also pleased to present our presidential afternoon tea, a tribute to the remarkable legacies of our nation's presidents."

At the New Heights Restaurant in D.C.'s Woodley Park neighborhood, there's a culinary journey through history with a special three-course dinner menu, "A Presidential Feast: Flavors from Inaugural History."Β 

Offered exclusively through the end of January, this meal boasts selections from the official menu items served at past U.S. presidents' congressional lunches.Β 

The congressional lunch is a longstanding tradition held after the swearing-in ceremony.Β 

"Since New Heights opened back in 1986, we've seen seven leaders in office, so creating a menu from the same dishes enjoyed by past presidents is a truly awe-inspiring moment for me," executive chef Jose Molina said.Β 

"Cooking for others has always been my greatest joy – it's why I became a chef – so I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this history than by giving our guests the chance to enjoy these same iconic dishes," he also said.Β 

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"And doing it right here in our nation's capital makes it even more special."Β 

At Blue Duck Tavern in the Park Hyatt Washington D.C., visitors can sip and savor an afternoon tea from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the weekend before Monday's inauguration.

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The tavern touts that its tea cellar is home to one of the most expansive tea collections in the United States, with over 30 rare, limited-production, single-estate teas.Β 

The tea experience also includes chef-curated food and gourmet pastries.

"Park Hyatt Washington D.C. is adding more noble items, such as lobster and caviar to the afternoon tea menu in anticipation of our guests' expectations for this important event," noted Jean-Claude Plihon, Blue Duck Tavern's director of culinary and food and beverage.

Egg prices may soon be on the rise, says expert – here's why and how much

18 January 2025 at 15:34

Egg prices are already steep – and might be getting worse.Β 

The average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs was $4.15 during the month of December, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – an increase from $2.51 in December 2023.Β 

There are two things driving the price increases: the bird flu outbreak and state laws about cage-free eggs.

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Patrick Penfield, a professor and supply chain expert at Syracuse University’s School of Management, told Nexstar Media that egg prices could rise by as much as 20% before the year is over.

This means that the average price of a dozen large eggs could be nearly $5 by the end of 2025, which would be the highest-ever recorded average price for a dozen eggs.

The previous high egg price was in January 2023, when the average price of a dozen large eggs was $4.82. By August 2023, however, the average price had dropped to $2.04.Β 

Penfield predicted that egg prices could exceed that record as soon as February.Β 

DOES THE COLOR OF AN EGG'S YOLK MEAN ANYTHING?

The current bird flu outbreak, which is technically known as "Highly pathogenic avian influenza" (HPAI), has resulted in a record number of deaths of egg-laying hens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a recent report.

In the last quarter of 2024, more than 20 million egg-laying hens died.Β 

IS A CRACKED EGG EVER SAFE TO EAT? WHAT YOU MUST KNOW

"Unlike in past years, in 2024, all major production systems experienced significant losses, including conventional caged, cage-free, and certified organic types," said the USDA.Β 

Once bird flu is detected, a farm must cull all the birds in the flock. This has had a devastating impact on the egg industry, as it takes approximately five months for a chicken to mature.

"Once a hen is five months old it can lay about one egg per day," said Penfield.Β 

Presently, there are no vaccines or medical treatments against bird flu, he said.Β 

The only defense is "biosecurity practices" – keeping chickens safe from wild birds and away from humans, keeping enclosures covered, and "reducing large puddles and standing water."Β 

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Penfield hopes that chickens will develop "some sort of natural immunity" against the outbreak, but warned Nexstar that this could take years.Β 

"We have not seen that yet and it will take many years for that to happen," Penfield told Nexstar. "Also, if they do, we do not know if this immunity would protect hens if the bird flu virus mutated."Β 

Apart from bird flu, several states have laws requiring that all eggs sold to be "cage-free," meaning the birds are not raised in cages. These are typically more expensive than conventional eggs even absent an outbreak of bird flu.Β 

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While egg expert Lisa Steele told Fox News Digital that pasture-raised chickens produce the "gold standard" of eggs, these birds are at an increased risk of illness.

"Poultry get HPAI from infected waterfowl (ducks and geese) and gulls, which may frequent wetlands on farms. Thus, poultry raised outdoors or with outdoor access are at greater risk of HPAI," said the University of Minnesota's website on avian influenza.Β 

"Infected poultry can spread disease to new flocks through contact with birds, people, manure and equipment. HPAI viruses can exist in bird waste for several months, especially under high-moisture and low-temperature conditions," said the University of Minnesota.

Restaurant insiders share the secrets of snagging hard-to-get reservations

13 January 2025 at 04:00

Reservation apps have made it a straightforward process for patrons to book a table just by a few clicks on a smartphone, but sometimes a table at the restaurant you want to book isn't available.Β 

Whether it's a special anniversary or just a night out to experience chef-curated menus and great service, if you can't cinch a table at your desired restaurant, it can be a disappointment.Β 

And if the restaurant is a hot spot that's booked for weeks or even months, it can be even more frustrating.Β 

RESTAURANT LEFTOVERS SPARK DEBATE ABOUT FOOD, BOXES AND TO-GO ETIQUETTE

Still, if you think that securing hard-to-get reservations is only for the elite, think again.Β 

Three restaurateurs shared insider tricks, tips and strategies to increase your chances of dining at the restaurant on your bucket list.Β 

If you know you want to dine on a certain date, a sound game plan could be to secure the table as early as possible. This can be attained by asking the restaurant when it opens for reservations.Β 

Many establishments create this model to even the playing field for securing a table.Β 

CHI-CHI'S MEXICAN RESTAURANTS TO RETURN AFTER 20-YEAR ABSENCE

"We open our books on a rolling 60-day basis," Rachel Candelaria, general manager at Press, a trendy restaurant in St. Helena, California, told Fox News Digital.Β 

"There really are not any hacks to getting a reservation at Press. All our reservations are available on Tock," a website dedicated to securing restaurant reservations, Candelaria said.Β 

If the common seating time is 7:30 or 8 p.m., you can gain an advantage by being flexible about the time you dine.Β 

Often, establishments want to turn the table over to maximize the night.

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"Generally, most popular restaurants try to get two seatings on each table, so the easiest times to get reservations are within the first one-and-a-half hours of opening and then again three hours after opening time," Candelaria said.Β 

If you can dine a bit on the early side or enjoy a later dinnertime, getting a table on your evening of choice could be a better bet.Β 

If you have some flexibility, consider dining at the hot spot beyond Friday or Saturday nights.Β 

"Midweek days, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays, usually have less demand, making it easier to secure reservations," Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.

While online platforms are convenient, Brattander said calling the restaurant directly can sometimes yield better results, especially if you're seeking a reservation on short notice or have specific requests.

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"Personal interaction may also provide opportunities that aren't available online," he said.Β 

If this is a place you like to regularly dine, "building a rapport with restaurant staff during previous visits can be advantageous," Brattander continued.Β 

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Also, consider asking your hotel concierge for an advantage.Β 

"Resort concierges often have priority access to reservations at popular restaurants, so it may be worth reaching out to them for assistance, especially for special occasions," he also said.

If you find that your desired date and time are not available, go the extra step of setting up alerts.Β Β 

"Reservation platforms like OpenTable, Resy, etc., often allow you to set notifications for cancelations or openings," Brattander said.Β 

"Using these tools can give you real-time updates and increase your chances of snagging a spot."Β 

YES, FOOD AND DRINKS TASTE DIFFERENT ON A PLANE AND THERE'S A REASON

In addition, he advised having your payment details already loaded to expedite the process and prevent delays that might cause you to miss a reservation.

Things happen and sometimes people have to cancel their dinner plans β€” so their loss could be your gain.Β 

"Some restaurants may experience cancellations during the day, so checking for openings in the late morning or early afternoon can be advantageous," Brattander told Fox News Digital.

Once you've got your reservation, you'll want to make sure you follow some suggested steps to keep it.

It's a general rule that restaurants will give patrons a short grace period, but this can vary from place to place.Β 

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"Out of courtesy, we hold reservations for 15 minutes," Alex Saitta, general manager of SW Steakhouse inside Wynn Las Vegas in Nevada, told Fox News Digital.

If you are going to be late because of traffic or other unanticipated delays, calling the restaurant could help, but it is not guaranteed.Β 

Arriving early can allow you a chance to grab a drink at the bar and start your dining experience off without feeling rushed.Β 

When you arrive, check in with the host or hostess to find out if being seated earlier is an option. Β 

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"If the table is available, we are happy to accommodate the reservation in advance," Saitta told Fox News Digital.Β 

Policies vary from restaurant to restaurant, so there's no across-the-board answer.Β 

Some fine-dining spots allow guests to sit and wait at a table for the remainder of their party to arrive.

Others, meanwhile, require all in the party to be present before being seated.

Meat 'cheat meals' among vegetarians, vegans 'more common than you might think'

10 January 2025 at 04:00

About one in three vegetarians or vegans admit to having meat "cheat meals" β€” while one in five vegetarians or vegans admit to craving meat at least once a month, a new survey reveals.

"With January's 'Veganuary' trend in full swing and New Year's resolutions to try a meat-free diet, The Linz Shop took a closer look at how common it is for Americans to stick with a plant-based lifestyle," Collin Czarnecki, researcher with The Linz Shop, which conducted the just-published survey, told Fox News Digital.

The Linz Shop is a family-owned business that sells premium meats, according to its website. The company is based in Indiana.Β 

'I WENT ON A VEGAN DIET AND MY CHOLESTEROL WENT UP β€” HERE'S WHY'

As shared in the "2024-25 Vegan & Vegetarian Meat Cravings" report, researchers found that staying committed to a plant-based diet "can be more challenging than it seems," Czarnecki said.

"Meat 'cheat meals' are more common than you might think," he also said. Β 

A total of 38% of the vegetarians and vegans surveyed – or more than one in three – admitted to having a cheat meal of meat, with a third saying they had eaten meat within the last six months.Β 

One in five stated they crave meat "every few months."Β 

Chicken, at 64%, was the most commonly craved meat by the vegetarian and vegan respondents.

Steak came in second at 40%, while general "beef" came in third at 36%, the survey found.

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In terms of specific dishes, fried chicken was the one offering that tempted vegetarians the most, with just under half of respondents saying they would break their diet to indulge in that dish.Β 

Burgers, at 41%, and barbecue, at 40%, were the second- and third-most tempting meat dishes.

"Whether it is cravings triggered by nostalgia for a favorite meal, or simply the aroma of meat, staying meat-free isn't always easy," Czarnecki told Fox News Digital.

The smell of cooking meat was the most commonly cited reason that vegetarians and vegans craved meat, the survey said.

More than half – or 54% – of the respondents listed that as why they were tempted to break their diets.Β 

Coming in second place was "nostalgia," with 47% of respondents acknowledging that.Β 

Peer pressure also played a role, with 33% of respondents saying that being around others who are eating meat makes them crave it.Β 

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The ages of those surveyed range from 18 to 84 β€”Β 

Despite the relatively common practice of temporarily cheating on veganism or vegetarianism, many people who do so do not tell others, Czarnecki said.

"Interestingly, one in three admit they keep their meat indulgences under wraps, choosing not to reveal to family or friends that they've eaten meat," Czarnecki said.

The nature of trends such as "Veganuary" means they're unlikely to truly hold, Lauren Manaker, a Charleston, South Carolina-based registered dietitian, told Fox News Digital.

These "all-or-nothing approaches," she said, "rarely lead to lasting habit changes from what I observe."Β 

She added, "While these efforts can inspire temporary awareness or positive changes, long-term success tends to come from gradual shifts and sustainable habits rather than extreme, short-term challenges. Small, achievable steps can often have a greater impact and are easier to stick with over time."

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In any diet, not just vegetarianism, so-called "cheat meals" need to be handled with a certain mindset, Manaker said.Β 

Rather than viewing a "cheat meal" as a negative, "it's more beneficial to take a balanced approach that allows for the inclusion of favorite foods in moderation while focusing on an overall pattern of eating nutrient-dense foods that are low in saturated fat and added sugars," she said.

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This "more holistic view" toward "cheat foods" can actually help people stick with their dietary goals, she said.Β 

"For example, a small cookie can be a part of a balanced meal without being considered 'cheating,'" she said. Β 

Manaker continued, "Having a cookie along with a bowl of fresh fruit and a serving of yogurt can create a satisfying and well-rounded snack that provides both enjoyment and nutrition. Ten cookies in one sitting? Well, that's a different story," she added.Β 

Regardless of a person's diet, "animal-based foods can also play a valuable role in a balanced diet when consumed thoughtfully," she said.Β 

"Striving for moderation and balance in meal choices allows for greater flexibility while still promoting long-term health and well-being," Manaker said.

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