Literary Society presents lunch with ‘Dinner’ author Alex Prud’homme
It wasn’t a lavish State Dinner at the White House, but it was a fabulous lunch at The Vintage Club May 1 with Alex Prud’homme, author of “Dinner with the President.”
Prud’homme told members and guests of the Literary Society of the Desert that his book reveals the sometimes-curious tastes of 26 of America’s most influential presidents, how their meals were prepared and the ways their food choices affected food policy around the world.
As he weaved his stories about food and entertainment building political and social relationships, he explained that food is not just fuel when it is served to the most powerful people in the world. It is a tool of communication that brings leaders together, what Prud’homme called culinary diplomacy.
Prud’homme earned his culinary chops while growing up in a home of foodies who discussed politics at the dinner table. His great aunt was American chef, author and TV personality Julia Child. Prud’homme co-authored “My Life in France,” the memoir of Julia Child, that was compiled during the last eight months of her life and completed by Prud’homme following her death in 2004.
The Literary Society of the Desert invited students and teachers from Shadow Hills and Palm Valley High Schools and provided them an opportunity prior to the luncheon to meet the author and ask questions. Prud’homme delighted the students with stories of the United Kingdom’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana at the Reagan White House for the very famous dance with John Travolta, the State dinner with the president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and the thawing of the Cold War and Jimmy Carter hosting Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin establishing the framework for a historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
Lunch began with chilled watercress bisque, followed by an entrée of Provencal roast brick chicken, heirloom tomato salad and grilled asparagus topped with lemon arugula. Dessert was a strawberry tartlet with lemon curd.
The Literary Society of the Desert promotes literacy and the love of reading. For information on upcoming luncheons and membership visit literarysocietyofthedesert.org. The next luncheon will take place Nov. 20 and feature Dawn Tripp, author of the newly released “Jackie.”
Marge Dodge serves on several local nonprofit boards supporting her passions of education, literacy and the arts.