Hotels and Dining   ...1 of 2 >
Area hotels are offering a variety of packages and services for their guests (+), and restaurants and bars are serving special menus and drinks. 

Among the finest hotels is the Willard InterContinential at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; the Willard combines friendly staff, first-rate service and a storied history.
Willard Hotel in gingerbread created by Willlard Hotel Pastry Chef Gary O'Hanlon.

Specifications: "Decked-out in the hotel’s full presidential inauguration glory, the cake measures nearly 3 feet in height and 5 ½ feet in length. The gingerbread house is 99% edible comprised of: 54 pounds of brown sugar, 70 pounds of granulated sugar, 48 pounds of shortening, 6 pounds of baking soda, 2 gallons of molasses, 250 eggs, 4 pounds of ginger, 4 pound of cinnamon, 130 pounds of flour, 20 pounds of icing, 10 pounds of rolled fondant, 200 to 250 work hours."

Floral decoration by Rick Scott.
It does need to be watered three times a day, however.

In their rooms, guests found a variety of treats including cookies based on First Lady Michelle Obama's winning recipe in the Family Circle Magazine bake off (White and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies); 312, a Chicago craft beer by Goose Island, an urban wheat ale ("one of President Obama's favorite beverages"); Pastry Chef Gary O'Hanlon's caramelized macadamia nuts covered with chocolate; red, white and blue macaroons; Tumbador Chocolates made in sustainable chocolate factory in Brooklyn, NY; Chicago popcorn in a Willard tin; and American Summits water (+).


In the Round Robin Bar, bartenders including Glenn Fronda can prepare a Blue Hawaiian or other presidential themed cocktails (+).  The Blue Hawaiian "combines the president’s penchant for aged Tequila and the cool blue waters of the Pacific."  The drink features aged Tequila, Curacao and fresh lime juice.  
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