Opinion
A consumer confidence index for the election
By: Jeff Dufour
Editor at Large/Columnist, "Yeas & Nays"
09/25/08 12:05 AM EDT
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For some folks, the upcoming election is a chance to weigh in on the future direction of the country. For others, it's a marketing
opportunity, particularly in Washington's hotels and restaurants, where proprietors and managers have come up with an array of McCain v. Obama or Republican v. Democrat-themed promotions.
Take the Source by Wolfgang Puck, where Chef Scott Drewno is serving a Chicago-style half-smoke, as well as Arizona-inspired baby back ribs, each a nod to the candidates' home states (we're still waiting for the moose special, Scott).
Meanwhile, at Oya Restaurant & Lounge, sommelier Andrew Stover has developed three themed wine flights -- "The Conservative," with wines from Republican-leaning districts in Idaho, Arizona and Michigan; "The Liberal," featuring Illinois, New York, and California wines; and "The Battleground," with wines from Colorado, Michigan and Virginia.
Even sushi isn't immune from partisan overtones. Asia Nine in Penn Quarter is dishing up the Obama Roll (green veggies), the Biden Roll (crabmeat and wasabi), The McCain Roll (lobster guacamole and tortilla chips) and the Palin Roll (Alaskan salmon with spicy mayo).
The bar in the JW Marriott is serving up Left Wings with spicy Asian dipping sauce, Right Wings with Texas honey barbecue, and "Undecider's Sliders."
Other establishments have turned things competitive: At Buzz Bakery in Alexandria, patrons can vote by buying cookies shaped like elephant ears or donkey tails. As of Wednesday, the donkey tails held a slight lead.
Ditto at the new Liaison Hotel on Capitol Hill, which is offering a "Pick Your Party" package, where along with their nightly stay, guests
can choose either a copy of the Washington Times and a "red" guide to hot spots loved by McCain supporters (think The Capital Grille, Capitol Hill Club and Smith Point) or a copy of the Washington Post and a blue guide to spots loved by Obama supporters (think Stetson's, Busboys and Poets and the Hawk & Dove). “Right now it is pretty close to even, but there is a slight lean towards Senator Obama," said a hotel spokeswoman.
But the PostScript bar in the Loews Madison Hotel is McCain country. There, patrons can choose from shrimp (McCain's favorite dish) or chili (Obama's favorite). So far, the shrimp lovers, er, McCain voters, have the edge.
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