Having already covered one essential bodily function, the Obamathon Guide turns its attention to a less unpleasant and more tasty (I hope) set of bodily functions: eating and drinking. For most inaugural attendees, eating will be a simple matter of course, while for some of the elite it will be a matter of three course meals. Nonetheless, here are a few tips on where to eat, what to eat, and even when to eat - yes, it makes a difference.
For the less epicurean inaugural attendees, the most attractive option is probably bringing in your own food. This will save you cash, and you can be creative about what you bring. For those of you with front row seats or plans to attend the parade, keep in mind a few pertinent restrictions: no coolers, thermoses, or bags larger than 8"x6"x4". For those riding in on the metro, there are no items specifically prohibited for inauguration day other than bicycles, but the WMATA recommends you take as little as possible (sorry WMATA, I'm not giving up my PB&J). Those in possession of semi-reinforced lunch bags should bring them if they want any hope of leaving the metro without squished sandwiches. Also, don't bring anything that spoils easily or can easily spill and make a mess.
For those of you planning to get to DC early and not wanting to buy food, you'll have to pack more food. Obamathon Man plans to eat an energy bar in the morning to stave off hunger for as long as possible; even if they aren't that nutritious, they work for me. Also, it would be best to bring a small water bottle - while you don't want to drink too much, you should have some liquids with your food.
Those wary of brown-baggin' it can always try buying food from vendors. Specific locations have been designated for vendors both North and South of the parade route. It's pretty much assumed that vendor markup will be outrageous; be prepared to pay top dollar for a hot dog, and don't be surprised if ketchup costs extra.
For those of you classy enough to eat at a sit-down restaurant, word on the street is you'd better book a table now. Most restaurants appear to still be open on inauguration day, but call in advance, especially if the restaurant you have in mind is near the parade route. The good news is, so far there aren't any reports about restaurants price-gouging on the 20th, but of course that's subject to change. Also, since getting around is going to be an issue, leave plenty of time to make it to the restaurant by the time you reserved, and avoid making a reservation North of the parade route if you're going to watch the parade on the South side. While I won't be providing a full guide to the restaurants of Washington DC, here's a site that does. There's also DC foodies, as well as my arch nemesis's food guide.
For me, the inauguration isn't really about the food. But on Jan. 20, the taste of hope will be sweet. See you in DC.
THE OBAMATHON GUIDE.™
Introduction (history, crowd density)
Part 1: Is It Safe? (safety, prohibited items, law enforcement, crime)
Part 2: Crush Hour(Transportation, Getting to DC, Getting to the Mall, the Metro)
Part 3: When Nature Calls (restrooms, sanitation)
Part 4: Phone Frenzy (Cell phones, texting, finding lost friends)
Part 5: Food For Thought
Part 6: Got Balls? (Inaugural balls, dress codes, bars)
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