The Washington
Cherry-wood smoked salmon tartare on pumpernickel crisp
A tribute to the famous cherry tree legend
The Story
George Washington, the first President of the United States, is perhaps most famously associated with the legend of the cherry tree — a tale of honesty that has endured for centuries. At his Mount Vernon estate, Washington was an avid farmer and fisherman, with the Potomac providing an abundance of fish for his table. He hosted lavish dinners that became the blueprint for American presidential entertaining, and his love of smoked fish and hearty breads inspired this elegant tartare.
Ingredients
- 8 oz smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 shallot, minced
- Fresh dill
- Lemon zest
- Crème fraîche
- Pumpernickel bread rounds
Preparation
- 1.Finely dice the smoked salmon and combine with capers, shallot, and dill.
- 2.Season with lemon zest and a touch of crème fraîche.
- 3.Toast pumpernickel rounds until crisp.
- 4.Top each round with a spoonful of tartare and garnish with dill.
More from this collection
Commanders-in-Chief
The Hoecake Hearth
A one-inch hoecake crisp with whipped honey butter — Washington's beloved breakfast, reduced to a single bite
The Potomac Catch
A one-inch smoked shad rillette tartlet with dill and lemon — a nod to the fishery that helped feed Mount Vernon
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 Jefferson
Virginia ham on sweet cornbread with pepper jelly
The Lincoln Log
Smoked duck roulade with cherry compote & micro herbs