Introduction

After eight years of boots and barbecue in the White House, the Obamas have introduced a gourmet atmosphere not seen in several recent presidencies. George H.W. Bush liked Chinese food from a northern Virginia neighborhood. Bill Clinton has a reputation for Big Macs. George W. Bush liked his grill. But the Obama's have instead hired their own chef and dined at the best restaurants Chicago and Washington have to offer. Even President Obama's choice of burger joints, Ray's Hell Burger in nearby Arlington, Va., only serves gourmet sandwiches. But that's not all that makes Obama and the first family different. Here are the five ingredients that make Obama a gourmet president.


1. Chef Sam Kass

Michelle Obama shops for fresh produce with Assistant White House Chef Sam Kass at the opening of a new farmer's market two blocks from the White House on September 17, 2009.

The base ingredient is hiring personal Chicago chef Sam Kass. While the No. 2 chef under chief White House Chef Cris Comerford, he's been the face of the Obama kitchen, often appearing with the first lady for food events.


2. Fine Dining

The Obamas leave the Blue Duck Tavern in Washington, D.C. after having dinner to celebrate their 17th anniversary on October 3, 2009.

The starch is his eclectic taste in good, and mostly expensive, American-style restaurants like Washington's Michel Richard Citronelle and Equinox.


3. Michelle's Garden

Michelle Obama holds a spring garden planting event with students from Bancroft and Hollin Meadows Elementary Schools on March 31, 2010.

First lady Michelle's hand-sown garden provides veggies for vitamins and minerals. And the nearby beehive gives the garden a special touch.


4. State Dinners

Obama gives a toast during the State Dinner in the East Room of the White House on May 19, 2010.

For spice, celebrity chefs have taken charge of state dinners. Rick Bayless, owner of Chicago eateries Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, ran the state dinner for Mexico. For the 2009 Indian State trip, Marcus Samuelsson, an award-winning African-American chef from the New York restaurant Aquavit, cooked the dinner.


5. Bobby Flay

Obama and celebrity chef Bobby Flay grill steak, corn, and barbecue chicken at the Kick Off Young Men's Barbecue on the South Lawn of the White House on June 19, 2009.

The cherry on top was having famed chef Bobby Flay team with Comerford to win Iron Chef America with Michelle’s produce. Bragging rights to just how good the Obama kitchen came in beating Iron Chef Mario Batali, who wins the televised competitions 79 percent of the time compared to Flay’s 69 percent.

http://www.usnews.com/news/washington-whispers/slideshows/5-keys-to-obamas-gourmet-presidency