Happy Presidents' Day! The magnifying glass on the
commander-in-chief has allowed us much insight into the dietary
habits of our presidents over the years. For instance, there's Bush
Sr.'s hatred of broccoli, LBJ's love of Fresca,
Obama's chili recipe and Reagan's obsession with jelly beans
(even the much-maligned licorice ones). In honor of Presidents'
Day, here are a handful of links on presidents and dining.
Eater NY maps out the
restaurants visited by U.S. presidents in "
The Guide to Presidential Dining in New York City." Obama
and Clinton seem to have a lot in common (Red
Rooster, Il Mulino),
as did Reagan and Nixon (Le
Perigord). Rugged individualist Teddy Roosevelt did his manly
dining at Delmonico's.
Other restaurants of presidential pedigree rounding out the list
include Blue
Hill, Daniel, 21
Club and Gabriel's.
Robert Sietsema of The Village Voice
ranks "
America's Five Greatest Foodie Presidents." Somewhat suprising:
wiry and generally unpleasant Andrew Jackson's love of cheese and
lavish banquets. Less suprising: Taft was into food.
Serious Eats
Chicago gives a thorough rundown of "
How to Eat (And Drink) Like President Obama in Chicago." The
commander in chief's favorite spots include
Manny's Deli, Rick Bayless's Topolobampo and
Valois
Cafeteria.
Delish.com explores
presidents finicky about their food with "
Plate of the Union: Picky Presidential Palate."
David Faries of
The Dallas Observer conducts a fictional foodcentric
interview with former presidents.
And for your viewing edification, Bill Clinton (played by the
late Phil Hartman) takes a few moments to mingle with the people at
McDonald's near the White House on Saturday Night Live.
INTERCEPTED. WARLORDS!