Posts Tagged ‘D.C.’

June 15, 2012: The Great Donut War

Friday, June 15th, 2012

Guest blogger: David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States

Beer, Doughnuts, and the War of 1812

The Great Donut War of '12


Last week the staffs of the National Archives and the Canadian Embassy here in Washington gathered to commemorate the War of 1812 in a special way—The Great Doughnut War of ’12, pitting Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme against Tim Hortons. Three celebrity judges—two from the National Archives and one from the Canadian Embassy participated in a blind taste testing.

Judges from the National Archives and one from the Canadian Embassy participated in a blind donut taste testing


The Great Donut War Ballot Box


And the attendees all had a chance to vote as the doughnuts were served on separate unlabeled platters. Lest you think the two to one odds—doughnuts and judges—were unfair, let me point out that the event was held in MY HOUSE!

The U.S. National Archives


The tension built during the day when we learned that the delivery of Tim Hortons to the Embassy resulted in potential disaster.

Donut Disaster


Claiming SABOTAGE by the competition, the resourceful Embassy staff hoofed it to one of America’s few Tim Hortons in Baltimore for replacements.

We treated our Canadian friends to a display of facsimiles of records pertaining to the War of 1812 and beer!

http://www.ourarchives.wikispaces.net/The+Great+Doughnut+War+of+1812

And we ended the evening with a special screening of my favorite movie, “Strange Brew” — the source of everything I know and love about Canada!

David S. Ferriero
Archivist of the United States

P.S. Tim Hortons was the victor — both by popular vote and celebrity vote. A recount is underway!

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Posted in June 2012 |

March 7, 2012: Ottawa

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Not everything I do as Ambassador is fancy. But most of it is fun. Yesterday was a great example.

A Washington institution came to Ottawa. And I had to celebrate it.

When I was working at the White House the hours were long. I often got home late. The good news is that around the corner from where I lived on 7th Street was a Five Guys that was open until 10 pm. I became a regular.

Ambassador Jacobson learns the ropes in the Five Guys Burgers and Fries kitchen

Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a chain of hamburger restaurants that started in Alexandria, Virginia (a Washington suburb) in 1986 and spread across the nation’s capital. They have since spread around the United States and now, thankfully, to Canada.

Five Guys has the best hamburgers and fries I have ever tasted. And I have tasted a lot.

I got the full treatment during my visit. I donned a Five Guys hat, T-shirt, and apron and learned how they make the burgers and fries. I formed the patties. I cut the potatoes. I grilled the burgers (learning how to tell when they were done). I added the toppings (my specialty is cheese, bacon, tomatoes, pickles, grilled onions, and ketchup). I fried the fries (twice in accordance with the Five Guys recipe). I served them up at the counter. And then – best of all – I ate them.

The Ambassador and Julie Jacobson share a laugh at Five Guys Burgers and Fries

I want to thank my host, the Area Manager Mark Bencze. He was a great teacher. And he runs a tight ship. There are few things I can say with more confidence than this. Go to Five Guys. You’ll love it. Can’t be beat.

Here’s a link to a video of my training.

To my U.S. Ambassador colleagues around the world … eat your hearts out!!!

Ambassador Jacobson tries out his Five Guys burger

On a totally unrelated – but important point – today is Julie’s and my 25th wedding anniversary. I am very lucky to have a partner like her. We have had quite a run. And it keeps getting better. As one friend said in a note: “We have the silver. Now we’re going for the gold.” Happy Anniversary Julie!!!!!!

DJ

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Posted in March 2012 |