D.C. Chefs Share Their Fondest Memories Of Obama’s First Four Years

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D.C. Chefs Share Their Fondest Memories Of Obama’s First Four Years

by Tina Nguyen 1:44 pm, January 21st

Today, President Barack Obama was be sworn into office for the fourth time. But as the chefs of D.C. know, four more years of the Obama family’s presence in the White House means four more really, really good years for the restaurant industry in the nation’s capitol. Which is why we asked some of them at the Chef’s Ball if they had any memories, wishes, or other such observations about Barack and Michelle — and they responded:

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1.Bart Vandaele, Belga Café

I've never met the Obamas, but if they ever came to my restaurant, I'd make them traditional Belgian foods -- mussels, french fries, Belgian beers, everything. I make some really fun foods with foie gras and definitely go with beignets with escargots. And for desserts, I'd spoil them with desserts. Chocolate, waffles, all the fun stuff. [As for Michelle's aversion to unhealthy foods,] there's a lot of versions of those that can be made very light.

2.Art Smith, Art and Soul, Table 52

Jesus and I, as a couple, went to the White House. I was as nervous as I am now. Jesus said, "Baby, why are you so nervous? We know these people!" I said, "I know, but we've never been introduced to them as The President and First Lady!" We go into the Blue Room, and this official with all this regalia announces: "Mr. President! Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro!" We walk in, and I go to shake his hand, and he looks at me: "Aren't you going to give me a hug?!"

Photo credit: Jeffrey Martin

3.Mike Isabella, Graffiato, Bandolero

Barack called me up one time and asked, "Hey, you wanna play ball?" I'm like, "I'm not good at ball, but I'll come by!" So I came by, we had a couple beers, we played a little basketball. NOT. I wish.

Photo credit: Jeffrey Martin

4.Erik Bruner-Yang, Toki Underground

Obama's never come to our restaurant, but if he did, I hope he'd order off the menu. But I feel like our restaurant is a logistical nightmare. [At Smith Commons, where Obama previously ate,] we have maybe like ten seats near a window, and when he came to eat at Smith Commons, the Secret Service said we couldn't sit anyone at the seats near the window, so our 25 seat restaurant became a 15 seat restaurant for the whole day. Toki Underground's small and it works for us, but probably not for the President.