Hotel promotes food on a stick

We know that the congressional ethics reform passed by the Democratic Congress has created confusion and even some resentment. But it looks like it’s created a marketing opportunity, too.

An email sent out by the catering department at the Phoenix Park hotel on Capitol Hill reads: “No fork? No problem.”

“Let us show you creative ways to comply with the ‘toothpick rule'” it continues, referring to the restrictions about standing receptions versus seated dinners.

“We have certainly become more creative in assisting our clients meet those government ‘toothpick’ requirements with alternative food selections, including expanding our selections of passed hors d’oeuvres and items that can be consumed without a fork such as appetizers served on ceramic Chinese spoons,” a hotel spokeswoman tells us.

She said the hotel has not seen a significant increase or decrease in business since the regulations took effect.