became acquainted with Talleyrand's dining philosophy. During his presidency, White House dinners were even more French than in Jefferson's day. Ranhofer may have been returning the compliment with this soup. Van Gogh potato – artist Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) is commemorated by this potato developed in the Netherlands in 1976. – dedicated to Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (abbreviated VGE) and created by Paul Bocuse in 1975. Fillets of Brill Véron – Dr. Louis Désiré Véron (1798–1867) gave up his Parisian medical practice for the more fashionable life as a writer, manager of the Opera, paramour of the actress Rachel, political influence, and pre-eminent host of lavish dinners for the elite. Véron sauce accompanies the brill. Celery Victor – Victor Hirtzler, (c. 1875–1935) well-known American chef from Strasbourg, France considered this braised celery dish one of his two best recipes, the other being Sole Edward VII. Both dishes were created at San Francisco's St. Francis Hotel, where Hirtzler was head chef from 1904 to 1926. His 1919 cookbook can be seen in full at Hotel St. Francis Cookbook. Lamb chops Victor Hugo – the renowned French author, Victor Hugo (1802–1885), is commemorated with these, and with fillets of plover. Victoria plum and Victoria Sponge or Sandwich Cake – Queen Victoria (1819–1901). Many dishes are named for the British Queen, including sole, eggs, salad, a garnish, several sauces, a cherry spice cake, a bombe, small tarts, et al. There is also a Victoria pea and a Victoria apple. Vidal blanc – a hybrid grape variety, named after its breeder, Jean-Louis Vidal W Waldorf salad – salad made at the Waldorf hotel originally as a joke for a particularly persnickety patron. Wallenberg Steak – Scandinavian dish of minced veal named after the prominent and wealthy Swedish Wallenberg family. Contemporary versions use turkey and moose meat. Wild Duckling à la Walter Scott – dish named for the Scottish writer Walter Scott (1771–1832) includes Dundee marmalade and whisky. Pears Wanamaker – of the Philadelphia merchant Wanamaker family, Rodman Wanamaker (1863–1928) seems most likely to be the inspiration for this dish. The son of John Wanamaker, founder of the family business, Rodman Wanamaker went to Paris in 1889 to oversee the Paris branch of their department store. When he returned to the U.S. in 1899, he kept his Paris home and contacts. Washington Pie – George Washington (1732–1799), first U.S. president, has this cake named after him,