When it comes to the leaders of our nation, we have a big interest in their eating habits.
Thomas Jefferson may have been the first foodie, Bill Clinton had a penchant for fast food (he’s now a vegan), the Roosevelt’s served hot dogs to the King and Queen of England, and Mrs. Obama planted a vegetable garden at the White House. President H.W. Bush infamously hated broccoli and banned it from the White House. What presidents and their families eat, and serve to foreign dignitaries, does seem to matter.
After all, the eating habits of American presidents seem to mirror the ever-evolving diets of the American people, said Suzy Evans, a Newport Beach, California-based literary agent, historian and author of the forthcoming children’s book “Abraham Lincoln’s Lunch.”
“Presidential culinary history might seem insignificant or even trivial,” Evans said. “But if you look closely enough, it can teach us much about American social, cultural and political history and the rich and venerable history of dining, diplomacy and the American presidency.”
So in some sense, we are what our presidents eat.
Check our blog post about presidential palates, which discusses the favorite foods of several presidents. Some preferences may come as a surprise. You will also find recipes that we think would have pleased these past presidents should they pop over for dinner. Try one at home this week!
Recently a food choice made by a president thrilled us. President and Mrs. Obama enjoyed duck carnitas at Cosme in New York City, and we got excited because it was our Rohan duck in those carnitas.
Do you take notice of what presidents are eating? Do you think it matters if the president prefers fast food to broccoli? Weigh in on food preferences on social media. Tag @dartagnanfoods on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.