Inaugural taste: Texas chef set to cook for Bush in Washington


Chef David Garrido in Austin, Texas

(CNN) -- The incoming presidential palate will get a special taste of beef -- carefully prepared by a chef from Austin, Texas.

David Garrido has been invited to cook during inauguration week in Washington for George W. Bush and the soon-to-be first family. Garrido, who cooks at Austin-based Jeffrey's restaurant, will prepare inaugural meals at Aquarelle, the restaurant in the Watergate Hotel, not far from the White House.

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An interview with David Carrido, executive chef at Jeffrey's Restaurant in Austin

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"The family has come to the restaurant (Jeffrey's) for celebrations -- birthdays and anniversaries," Garrido said. "To cook in his honor now is a great thing."

The invitation came after the Watergate Hotel's manager learned that Jeffrey's is the Bushes favorite restaurant. The well-respected eatery -- an upscale melding of Southwest, Latin and European cooking -- is owned by a long-time friend of Laura Bush.


On the menu (from left): Gulf oysters on yucca root chips with a habanero honey aioli; Beef tenderloin with a chili rub and poblano corn pudding; Chocolate intemperance (chocolate mousse and brownie with gold-dusted berries)

What can the Bushes expect on the menu? Garrido said he'll cook the Bushes a beef tenderloin with a Texas-Southwest flair and corn pudding. There'll also be crispy oysters served on taro root chips with habanero aioli and pico do gallo.

"George loves beef. She loves Mexican food. So I combined their favorites to make this dish," Garrido said. "The beef tenderloin and corn pudding is made with tomatillos and some chilies when I grill it to give it that extra something."

Dessert will feature chocolate intemperance -- best described as an extremely rich brownie wrapped around a chocolate mousse and covered in a chocolate glaze.