What's on the DNC menu? Healthy food

By Sara Burnett, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 7, 2008 at 7:59 p.m.
Updated July 7, 2008 at 7:59 p.m.

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Among the many differences between Republicans and Democrats, add one more: menus for their presidential conventions.

The Democratic National Convention host committee guidelines for caterers suggest serving mostly organic fare or Colorado products and avoiding fried foods. The guidelines even suggest color schemes on plates.

"This is the food police," groused Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown on Monday. "These people stood in line too long at the Aspen Food and Wine Festival."

He said he's heard from caterers who feel if they deviate from the guidelines, they won't get DNC business.

The Republicans have not placed restrictions on food vendors working events hosted by the Republican National Convention organizing committee, said Melissa Subbotin, the convention's deputy press secretary.

Michael Meyer, of Wildside Caterers, is one of four caterers who will work the Republican convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

When asked about requirements for his company, he said bluntly: "Shrimp and tenderloin. Seriously. They're kind of looking for that kind of fare."

The DNC host committee issued the guidelines a month ago as part of its Lean 'N Green initiative. The suggestions are meant to guide caterers submitting bids and restaurants that want to capitalize on the concept by offering at least one meal that adheres to the guidelines, said DNC host committee spokesman Chris Lopez.

The host committee's only big event — one that will attract 10,000 people - is the welcoming party at Elitch Gardens. While the catered meal is designed to be nutritious, the DNC has not hired grease police to keep delegates from sneaking off to a funnel cake stand, Lopez said.

"These come across as hard and fast rules," Lopez said. "They're recommendations."

Denver caterers and restaurateurs are concerned about the cost of complying with the Democrats' suggestions.

Paul DeLongchamps, owner of Bistro Boys Catering, is bidding on a few parties during convention week. As a general rule, he tries to purchase locally. He emphasizes recycling and urges staff to carpool.

But as for color suggestions for meals, he said, "Can you name a blue food that Colorado grows? Purple potatoes are the only thing I can think of."

Healthy food DNC-style

DNC host committee meal guidelines:

- Half a meal made up of fruits and/or veggies

- At least three of the following five colors on a plate - red, green, yellow, blue/purple and white (garnishes don't count)

- No fried foods

- At least 70 percent of ingredients (based on precooked weight) certified organic and/or grown or raised in Colorado

- Use of reusable serviceware

- No bottled water, use pitchers instead

- Encourage staff to use alternative modes of transportation.

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