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Horseshoes for President Obama in Springfield, Illinois
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courtesy Todd Tobory
When President Obama comes to Springfield today (February 12, 2009) to attend Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial Birthday Celebration, horseshoes will probably not be on the menu at the Abraham Lincoln Association’s gala banquet at Springfield’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. And that’s a darn shame.
President Barack Obama definitely should not leave town without sampling a good ol’ Springfield, Illinois horseshoe sandwich. I actually know a Kansan who flies periodically to Springfield in his private jet just to satisfy his horseshoe craving.
Springfield’s always been a great restaurant town, but not for the health-conscious. Only in Springfield will you find the gargantuan “horseshoe sandwich,” created in 1928 at the old Leland Hotel. Named for the shape of the ham once used to top the open-faced sandwich, this local delicacy is basically a heart attack on a plate. But, once you’ve taken your first bite, you’ll roll your eyes skyward and thank the heavens for such a creation.
Wherever you try it, you’ll find that it’s made by laying two pieces of toasted bread on a warm platter, then layering some kind of meat (your choice) over the toast. Next the entire plate is smothered with a rich cheddar cheese sauce (using either beer, wine, or a secret Welsh rarebit-type sauce). Finally, the whole cardiac-arrest concoction is topped with crispy French fries (the nails of the horseshoe). If you’re feeling especially daring, add a generous heaping of salt. If you’re feeling not quite so brave, order the smaller version, the pony. It’s Springfield’s original comfort food, a sandwich that can only be eaten with a fork.
The horseshoe is available at many of the local restaurants and pubs, including D’Arcy’s Pint, Barrel Head, Fritz’s Wagon Wheel, Maldaner’s, and—surprise, surprise!--Godfather’s Pizza & Family Grill. (Yes, I had the surprise of my life on my last visit to Springfield, when I got a superb turkey horseshoe at this place, the site of the former Wayne’s Red Coach, once known for scrumptious horseshoes. Apparently, the new owners inherited Wayne’s fabulous recipe).
So go ahead and indulge, President Obama, if you get the chance while you’re in Springfield. Everyone knows that, when you’re on vacation, calories don’t count.
Author's Note: This is the third of a four-part series on Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln's Hometown. You can read the first part here, the second part here. and the fourth part here.
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