Caterers Puzzled by Democratic National Convention’s Eco-Menu
May 20, 2008 · Print This Article
Organizers of the Democratic National Convention, to be held in Denver, Colorado, have local caterers stumped. The Denver 2008 Host Committee has asked for things that these folks have never heard of before, and they’re not quite sure how to handle it.
The Denver Post has it:
Fried foods are forbidden at the committee’s 22 or so events, as is liquid served in individual plastic containers. Plates must be reusable, like china, recyclable or compostable. The food should be local, organic or both.
And caterers must provide foods in “at least three of the following five colors: red, green, yellow, blue/purple, and white,” garnishes not included, according to a Request for Proposals, or RFP, distributed last week.
“Blue could be a challenge,” joked Ed Janos, owner of Cook’s Fresh Market in Denver. “All I can think of are blueberries.”
Caterers praise the committee and the city for their green ambitions, but some say they’re baffled by parts of the RFP.
“I think it’s a great idea for our community and our environment. The question is, how practical is it?” asks Nick Agro, the owner of Whirled Peas Catering in Commerce City. “We all want to source locally, but we’re in Colorado. The growing season is short. It’s dry here. And I question the feasibility of that.”
The Host Committee also asked for a sustainably grown, naturally dyed red hemp carpet to be rolled out from the street to the front door, 90 white soy pillar candles scented with essential oils, 25 cases of Kabbalah water, 17 vases of organic white lilies, and 5 large crystal goblets filled with only purple organic candy. It also stated that no one was to look Nancy Pelosi in the eye at any time. Those democrats, the’yre such divas.
Link [Denver Post]
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
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That is pretty kooky. They could have just asked in the RFP for sustainable, organic, etc… options rather than dictate such specific items.
I was at the convention some years ago and it’s a blast. This year with Obama will be amazing. I think the date of his acceptance will be on the anniversary of the I have a Dream speech.