The George W. Bush Years

Underneath the Oval Office, next to the Situation Room in the West Wing of the White House, the U.S. Navy runs the White House Mess. It’s a private dining room for White House officials, Cabinet officials, and other dignitaries. The cozy facility is filled with small tables that can seat up to fifty guests. Rich wood paneling surrounds the space and meals are served on White House china over linen- covered tables by Navy waitstaff. The mess is not open to the public, but officials can bring guests. The President has his own dining facility next to the Oval Office. There is also private dining available for the President’s family members in their quarters in the White House.

I was able to obtain this menu while on a visit to the White House when President George W. Bush was in office. A senior official gave me access to the mess where I had breakfast. The menu was typical breakfast fare, but presented very elegantly on fine china with White House silver cutlery. I chose the cheese omelette with home fried potatoes and cinnamon toast. I added crisp bacon and included grapefruit juice and coffee. Everything was delicious.