The end of Benjamin Ladner's tenure as American University president became clear when the Washington Post printed the menu for his New Year's Eve dinner for four to celebrate the engagement of his son. The 13-course meal–paid for by the university–featured caviar, oysters, crabmeat, lobster, scallops three ways, duck breast with black-truffle essence, rack of lamb, three desserts, Champagne, and fine wines.Washingtonian staffers contributing to this section were Cristina Abello, Susan Baer, Susan Davidson, Ken DeCell, Rebecca Dreilinger, Kim Isaac Eisler, Mary Clare Fleury, Kimberly Forrest, Brooke Lea Foster, Garrett M. Graff, Cynthia Hacinli, Thomas Head, Todd Kliman, Ann Limpert, Chad Lorenz, Leslie Milk, Aparna Nancherla, William O'Sullivan, Cindy Rich, and Chris Wilson. Also contributing were Cathy Alter, Ann Cochran, and Matthew Graham.
