Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn
Barack and Michelle Obama dined here
Fullscreen
Posted!
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.
Just prior to his January 2009 inauguration, then President-elect Barack Obama lunched at Washington, D.C. landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl with then-Mayor Adrian Fenty. Obama went for the classic chili half smoke (a smoked sausage that’s half beef and half pork smothered in spicy chili) and sweet tea. Mandel Ngan, AFP/Getty Images
Fullscreen
For Ben’s Chili Bowl's 55th anniversary in August 2013, President and Mrs. Obama sent their congratulations via a letter that was read during a celebratory event. Ben’s Chili Bowl
Fullscreen
On more than occasion, the president indulged his love of good steak at BLT Steak, including a celebration for his wife’s birthday in 2012. The restaurant even added an Obama burger, a $28 Wagyu burger with bacon, cheddar, scallion mustard and house-made ketchup, though it’s no longer on the menu. BLT Steak
Fullscreen
A basket of popovers is a signature touch at BLT Steak. BLT Steak
Fullscreen
The 22 oz. cowboy bone-in rib-eye at BLT Steak can be paired with your choice of nine sauces, including Bearnaise, chimichurri or BBQ. BLT Steak
Fullscreen
Another steakhouse on the Obamas’ go-to list was chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C’s’ tony Georgetown neighborhood. The Obamas marked their 20th and 22nd wedding anniversaries at the restaurant in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Bourbon Steak
Fullscreen
Bourbon Steak serves the baked-daily brioche truffle rolls at lunch and dinner service, while the trio of duck fat fries -- here, herb and garlic fries with a pickled ketchup, steak season fries with a Henry Bain steak sauce, and cool ranch fries with a spicy aioli -- are offered complimentary at dinner. Bourbon Steak
Fullscreen
Mina’s signature lobster pot pie features baby vegetables and mushrooms in an brandied lobster cream sauce. Bourbon Steak
Fullscreen
The Obamas have dined at Fiola Mare, an Italian seafood restaurant on Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown waterfront, several times, including an April 2014 dinner with Michelle Obama, senior White House advisor Valerie Jarrett and friends, and a 2016 dinner marking President Obama’s 55th birthday. Greg Powers
Fullscreen
The Adriatic seafood brodetto brings a medley of monkfish, branzino, red sea bream, jumbo langoustine, Manila clams and octopus, in a saffron-scented jus. Fiola Mare
Fullscreen
A sweet-savory dessert at Fiola Mare is the Marchesi, a creamy terrine of Tuscan Amedei chocolate with garden basil and Sicilian salted pistachios. Fiola Mare
Fullscreen
Michelle Obama hosted a dinner at sibling restaurant Fiola, an upscale regional Italian eatery between the White House and the Capitol, the night before Valentine’s Day 2013, where the party was said to enjoy burrata, lobster ravioli and ricotta doughnuts for dessert. Paul Burk
Fullscreen
The ahi tuna crudo makes a colorful starter at Fiola. Greg Powers
Fullscreen
The tortellini at Fiola are stuffed with osso bucco and finished with Rogosa Violina squash and duck prosciutto. Greg Powers
Fullscreen
Celebrity chef Jose Andres’ Oyamel, a Mexican tapas and street food concept, is another favorite stop for the First Couple. They enjoyed a pre-Valentine’s Day dinner there in 2014, returned in spring 2016 for date night, and returned in September 2016. Think Food Group
Fullscreen
Oyamel doesn’t dumb down the authenticity, offering dishes like chapulines, a Oaxacan dish consisting of sautéed grasshoppers, shallots, tequila and guacamole. Think Food Group
Fullscreen
The Obamas went to another Andres’ restaurant, minibar, which offers a multi-course tasting menu for just 24 guests per evening, for Valentine’s Day in 2013. Ken Wyner
Fullscreen
Minibar’s creative – and ever-changing – menu might feature such dishes as this Waldorf salad, a combination of apple, pickled celery, celery ice and walnuts served between two apple meringue “buns.” Greg Powers
Fullscreen
The Obamas eat on the run, too. In August 2011, President Obama treated some top staff to a lunch of burgers, fries and shakes at Good Stuff Eatery, reportedly to acknowledge their long hours trying to manage the debt ceiling crisis. Good Stuff Eatery
Fullscreen
Good Stuff Eatery’s Prez Obama burger is topped with Applewood bacon, onion marmalade, Roquefort cheese and horseradish mayo. The fast-casual joint, located down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, has its own celebrity pedigree – it’s owned by former 'Top Chef' contestant Spike Mendelsohn. Joe Shymanski
Fullscreen
Michelle Obama, who has dined at Good Stuff Eatery on several occasions, is commemorated with the Michelle Melt, a free-range turkey burger, topped with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese and tomato on a wheat bun with South Lawn herb garden mayo. Good Stuff Eatery
Fullscreen
We, The Pizza (next door to sibling restaurant Good Stuff Eatery) has been a favorite stop for the Obamas, who have eaten there with staff, visiting youth and their daughters. Freed Photography
Fullscreen
At We, The Pizza, The Butcher’s Block pie comes topped with pepperoni, sausage, ham, Applewood smoked bacon, mozzarella and tomato sauce. Joe Shymanski
Fullscreen
In February 2014, Michelle Obama got in the spirit for a state dinner with French President Francois Hollande by dining at Le Diplomate, a trendy French bistro in Washington, D.C. owned by restaurateur Stephen Starr, the night before. Jason Varney, for Starr Restaurants
Fullscreen
Le Diplomate bakes baguette and other breads daily. Jason Varney
Fullscreen
The petite plateau of fruits de mer makes a grand statement at Le Diplomate. Jason Varney, for Starr Restaurants
Fullscreen
Michelle Obama is said to have paid several visits to RPM Italian, a buzz-worthy Italian spot owned by E! personality Giuliana Rancic and her husband, Bill Rancic, that opened its D.C. location in June. Melissa Hom
Fullscreen
RPM Italian, which is the second location for the Chicago-based concept, riffs on classics, like this lobster caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella. Anjali M. PInto
Fullscreen
Café Milano, known for its southern coastal Italian food and great people-watching, provided the setting for Michelle Obama’s 49th birthday dinner in January 2013. The whole family returned in spring 2016, for daughter Malia’s high school graduation. Café Milano
Fullscreen
Café Milano’s branzino, which is available roasted or baked in a salt crust, is paired with seasonal vegetables. Café Milano
Fullscreen
The dark chocolate mousse filled with passion fruit panna cotta and salted caramel ice cream makes for a decadent finish at Café Milano. CRE8
Fullscreen
In June 2011, the White House booked dinner for two for President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at 1789 Restaurant, a seasonal American spot in a Federal-era building in Georgetown. 1789 Restaurant
Fullscreen
The rib-eye with mille-feuille potato, mushroom puree, bone marrow flan and carrots is typical of executive chef Samuel Kim’s luxe menu, which allows guests to pick and choose among dishes to create a four-, five- or six-course dinner. 1789 Restaurant
Fullscreen
Michelle Obama picked Equinox, which specializes in seasonal Mid-Atlantic cuisine, to celebrate her 45th birthday in January 2009, just before her husband’s first inauguration. The First Couple has since returned on several occasions. Equinox
Fullscreen
The house-made bucatini pasta with smoked wild mushroom Bolognese, Poblano peppers and shaved cashew cheese is one of the plant-based entrees at Equinox. Equinox
Fullscreen
The vanilla cheesecake at Equinox comes “en glasse” with a Yuzu huckleberry compote and brown butter crumble, topped with an almond Florentine. Equinox
Fullscreen
Blue Duck Tavern, a restaurant focused on local, sustainable fare in the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C., has seen repeat business from the First Couple, including a 2009 dinner for their 17th anniversary and a lunch with Michelle Obama and friends in June 2011. Blue Duck Tavern
Fullscreen
A wood-burning oven at Blue Duck Tavern figures heavily in dishes like the roasted bone marrow with black garlic butter and five-spice gremolata. Greg Powers, for Park Hyatt
Fullscreen
The house-baked apple pie for two is a signature dessert at Blue Duck Tavern. Greg Powers, for Park Hyatt
Fullscreen
For their 2012 Valentine’s Day dinner, the Obamas headed across the Potomac River to Vermilion, a seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant in the Old Town section of Alexandria, Va. Kyle Martell
Fullscreen
The seared scallops at Vermilion are paired with bacon lardons and Brussels sprouts and served in a sherry jus. Vermilion
Fullscreen
The Obamas often explore the local restaurant scene during their travels outside the Beltway. Alan Wong’s, an Asian-fusion restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii – the president’s home state – is reportedly the restaurant where he has dined the most frequently during his White House years. Alan Wong’s
Fullscreen
Alan Wong’s chopped ahi sashimi and avocado salsa stack, with crispy won ton pi and wasabi soy – a luxe version of traditional Hawaiian poke – is one of the president’s favorites, according to the restaurant. Alan Wong’s
Fullscreen
Another dish that President Obama orders regularly at Alan Wong’s is the twice-cooked soy-braised short ribs with gingered shrimp in a Kochu Jang sauce. Alan Wong’s
Fullscreen
One of the Obamas’ other go-to spots in the Aloha State is Nobu Waikiki, which is owned by celebrity chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa. Nobu Waikiki
Fullscreen
Black Cod Miso, which is marinated for two to three days in a combination of mirin, sake, and yellow or white miso paste, is chef Matsuhisa’s most famous dish. Steven Freeman
Fullscreen
The yellowtail sashimi, spiked with jalapeño, is another one of Nobu’s greatest hits. Henry Hargreaves
Fullscreen
President Obama once dubbed Tony Mantuano, the chef-partner at Spiaggia in his hometown of Chicago, his “favorite chef.” The Obamas have dined at Spiaggia multiple times, including to celebrate his 2008 election win. Galdones Photography
Fullscreen
The frutti di mare at Spiaggia includes green-lip mussels, Kusshi oysters and razor clams. Matt Haas Photography
Fullscreen
Spiaggia serves a variety of pastas, including gnocchi, bucatini, risotto, tortellini and chitarra. Matt Haas Photography
Fullscreen
In October, President Obama returned to his hometown of Chicago, where he dined at upscale steakhouse Swift & Sons. He joined a group of friends and supporters for dinner and conversation about the plans for his foundation and presidential library. Anthony Tahler
Fullscreen
The 34 oz. dry-aged porterhouse is one of the prime cuts served at Swift & Sons. Eric Kleinberg
Fullscreen
During an October 2015 trip to New York City, President Obama had brunch with daughters Malia and Sasha at Upland, a California-Italian restaurant in Gramercy. Upland
Fullscreen
Upland’s beef tartare features black trumpet mushrooms, puffed faro, anchovy and egg yolk. Corry Arnold
Fullscreen
In late November 2011, President Obama attended a fundraising dinner at Gotham Bar & Grill in New York City, where the star-studded guest list included Susan Sarandon, Jerry Seinfeld and Caroline Kennedy. Gotham Bar & Grill
Fullscreen
Gotham Bar & Grill chef Alfred Portale shows off his New American credentials through dishes like roasted red and yellow beet salad topped with goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts and shaved fennel, and dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. Gotham Bar & Grill
Fullscreen
The 28-day dry-aged New York steak is served with a Bordelaise sauce, Dijon mustard custard and Vidalia onion rings at Gotham Bar & Grill. Gotham Bar & Grill
Fullscreen
The Obamas, with a group of five friends, stopped by Danny Meyer’s Maialino in April 2104 for a pre-theater dinner, ahead of seeing “A Raisin in the Sun” on Broadway. Ellen Silverman
Fullscreen
Dishes cooked “al forno,” or in the oven, like this baby lamb, are a specialty at Maialino. Ellen Silverman
Fullscreen
The president became a fan of the barbecue at 12 Bones Smokehouse in Asheville, N.C. during his first presidential campaign, and has since returned several times. During a February 2013 speech, Obama lauded the barbecue spot, saying there are “two things that keep bringing me back [to Asheville]. Number one is I really like the people. And number two is 12 Bones.” 12 Bones Smokehouse
Fullscreen
The baby back ribs at 12 Bones are cooked “long and slow over select hardwoods,” according to the restaurant. 12 Bones Smokehouse
Fullscreen
The sliced brisket plate at 12 Bones comes with two sides – here, with collard greens and corn pudding – as well as corn bread. 12 Bones Smokehouse
Fullscreen
Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
-
1 of 62 -
2 of 62 -
3 of 62 -
4 of 62 -
5 of 62 -
6 of 62 -
7 of 62 -
8 of 62 -
9 of 62 -
10 of 62 -
11 of 62 -
12 of 62 -
13 of 62 -
14 of 62 -
15 of 62 -
16 of 62 -
17 of 62 -
18 of 62 -
19 of 62 -
20 of 62 -
21 of 62 -
22 of 62 -
23 of 62 -
24 of 62 -
25 of 62 -
26 of 62 -
27 of 62 -
28 of 62 -
29 of 62 -
30 of 62 -
31 of 62 -
32 of 62 -
33 of 62 -
34 of 62 -
35 of 62 -
36 of 62 -
37 of 62 -
38 of 62 -
39 of 62 -
40 of 62 -
41 of 62 -
42 of 62 -
43 of 62 -
44 of 62 -
45 of 62 -
46 of 62 -
47 of 62 -
48 of 62 -
49 of 62 -
50 of 62 -
51 of 62 -
52 of 62 -
53 of 62 -
54 of 62 -
55 of 62 -
56 of 62 -
57 of 62 -
58 of 62 -
59 of 62 -
60 of 62 -
61 of 62 -
62 of 62
Autoplay
Show Thumbnails
Show Captions
Last Slide Next Slide
Then President-elect Barack Obama stops to eat in Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. in January 2009. (Photo: Gerald Herbert, AP)
During two terms in office, President Obama has earned the title of diner in chief, one headline-making meal after another.
The president and First Lady, Michelle Obama, have made it a point to eat out regularly over the past eight years, living up to expectations that they would expand the Washington, D.C. power dining scene beyond traditional white tablecloth spots.
The Obamas celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and date nights at all kinds of restaurants — from those owned by celebrity chefs, like José Andrés, to farm-to-table spots showcasing local ingredients to the most upscale of steakhouses. They've chowed down on burgers and pizza with their daughters, broken bread with heads of state, their staff and regular folks, and sampled everything from North Carolina barbecue to Hawaiian poke during their travels around the country.
Living in the White House fishbowl has its drawbacks — the Obamas can’t just hop in an Uber any time they feel like trying the hot new restaurant down the street. But they never have to worry about getting shut out on a Saturday night on OpenTable, either. When the White House calls, there’s a good chance of getting a booking, no matter how last-minute.
Browse the gallery above to check out some of the places where the Obamas dined in Washington, D.C. and around the country throughout the 44th presidency.
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/2jkqtX7
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét