Democratic National Convention: Red, White and Blue-State Dining

At the new Ritz-Carlton, Denver, chefs and bartenders have concocted everything from breakfast Obamalettes to shortbread cookies from Michelle Obama’s own recipe, and guests will have 24-hour access to blue M&M’s.

At popular Denver restaurants Rioja and Bistro Vendôme, chef Jennifer Jasinski has bartenders at the ready with an extensive politico drinks menu, including a Dean & Delicious: a mix of kaffir lime vodka and lychee and passion fruit juices in honor of the ebullient Democratic Party chairman.

Inspired by the ingenious ideas of Jasinski, Ritz-Carlton chefs Andrés Jiménez and Ben Davison, and bartender TJ Caulfield, F&W shares great drinks and dishes to suit every Democratic Party player.

• Cocktails: Plum-Blueberry Spritzers, Pacific Breeze
• Brunch: Spicy Turkey Posole, Deviled Crab Omelets
• Dessert: Strawberry-Red Wine Sorbet with Crushed Meringue, Brown-Butter Crêpes with Nutella and Jam

• Cocktails: Zen Sangria
• Brunch: Oven Fries with Garlic and Parsley
• Dessert: Dried Cherry Compote with Shortbread and Mascarpone

• Cocktails: Sour Cherry-Yuzu Bellinis
• Brunch: Beef-and-Lamb Burgers with Cheddar and Caper Remoulade
• Dessert: Semifreddo S’mores

• Cocktails: Limoncello Collins
• Brunch: Pork and Bacon Kebabs
• Dessert: Raspberry-Jam Bombolini

• Cocktails: Lychee Gimlet
• Brunch: Cornmeal-and-Ricotta Waffles

• Brunch: Double-Pork, Double-Cheese Burgers

• Cocktails: Pomelo-Mint Mojito

The DNC caught some flack for requesting that caterers serve dishes that include something red, yellow, green, blue or purple and white. A little over-the-top? Definitely. Fun and delicious? That, too.

Check out our slideshow of F&W’s most colorful foods -->