BeaverTail pastry to honour Obama at inauguration
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 | 12:23 PM ET
CBC News
BeaverTails Canada Inc. founder and co-owner Grant Hooker was asked by the Canadian Tourism Commission in December if he would be interested in bringing the treat to a presidential inauguration event at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (CBC)A sweet Canadian treat will be occupying a prime spot along the parade route during U.S. president-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, but there won't be any drive-thru service in Washington.
BeaverTails, a deep fried pastry, will be served at the Canadian Embassy on Jan. 20 at an invite-only "tailgate" party.
BeaverTails Canada Inc. founder and co-owner Grant Hooker was asked by the Canadian Tourism Commission in December if he would be interested in bringing the treat to the event.
Hooker said he jumped at the opportunity. "I said mais oui, mais oui, mais oui," he told the Canadian Press.
He will be transporting enough ingredients and equipment to Washington, D.C., along with 10 staff, to serve 1,000 guests at the event free of charge.
The pastries were introduced in Ottawa in 1980 and are a favourite treat in the capital, especially in the winter months for skaters along the Rideau Canal.
Hooker said a cheese and garlic tail will be available at the party but he has also developed a special item for the event.
"I thought, 'Hey, why don't we do an Obama Tail?' " Hooker said. "Put a big old, you know 'O' on each BeaverTail and that's just what we did."
The dessert adds a chocolate and maple syrup "O" to a cinnamon and sugar pastry.
The Canadian Embassy is considered a prime location for the parade because it is the only embassy along the Pennsylvania Avenue route.
Officials organizing the event said U.S. governors, members of Obama's administration and transition team, as well as key decision-makers are expected to attend the Canadian-hosted function during the parade.
Grilled sausages provided by Alberta and an unnamed Canadian beer will also be served.
Hooker said he doesn't expect to see Obama drop in on the party but he hopes the new president may stop by in Ottawa during his first state visit to sample his namesake pastry.
"I think he would come back for another one," he said.
