The Potomac Catch
A one-inch smoked shad rillette tartlet with dill and lemon — a nod to the fishery that helped feed Mount Vernon
Fish from the Potomac were central to Mount Vernon's table and economy.
Why this bite? Washington's river fishery shaped his table and business. This tiny smoked-fish tartlet is the Potomac in one polished bite.
The Story
Washington was not only a planter and general but the operator of a major fishery on the Potomac. Shad, herring, and other catches moved through Mount Vernon's kitchens and commerce, tying his household directly to the river. This smoked fish tartlet captures Washington's perspective as a Virginia landowner whose idea of abundance came from the water just below the mansion lawn.
Ingredients
- Smoked shad or smoked whitefish
- Crème fraîche
- Lemon zest
- Fresh dill
- Mini rye tartlet shells
- Black pepper
Preparation
- 1.Flake smoked fish and fold with crème fraîche, dill, lemon zest, and pepper.
- 2.Spoon into 1-inch rye tartlet shells.
- 3.Chill briefly to set the filling.
- 4.Garnish with a tiny frond of dill.
More from this collection
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A one-inch hoecake crisp with whipped honey butter — Washington's beloved breakfast, reduced to a single bite
The Madeira Cellar
A one-inch toasted brioche with Madeira-glazed fig and aged cheese — rich, warm, and after-dinner in spirit
The Porter Ledger
A one-inch beef-and-mushroom bite glazed with porter — sturdy, tavern-minded, and built for hospitality
The Washington
Cherry-wood smoked salmon tartare on pumpernickel crisp
The Jefferson
Virginia ham on sweet cornbread with pepper jelly
The Lincoln Log
Smoked duck roulade with cherry compote & micro herbs