"Even though they're democratically elected by the people, U.S. presidents are fed like royalty, with some of the best chefs in the country preparing their daily sustenance. Yet even with the elegance of lavish state dinners and the precision of a Michelin-level kitchen, simplicity and convenience sometimes triumphs over all. That was especially the case for President Barack Obama, who, according to former White House executive chef, Cristeta Comerford, preferred store-bought hamburger buns over homemade."
"In a 2024 interview with NPR's "All Things Considered," Comerford recalled to host, Ari Shapiro, her past work experiences in the White House, including a time when she prepared a "fancy cheeseburger" with homemade brioche buns for the then-President, only for him to politely set the record straight. "I'm OK with just the grocery bun that you get," he reportedly told her."
Cristeta Comerford served as White House executive chef and retired in 2024 after cooking for Presidents Clinton, Bush, Trump, Obama and Biden. She prepared both elaborate, from-scratch dishes and simple meals to suit presidential preferences. She made a homemade brioche cheeseburger for Barack Obama, who preferred a grocery-store hamburger bun for everyday burgers. Obama enjoyed a wide range of international cuisines and frequently complimented the aromas of Filipino dishes prepared by Comerford, including skewered pork, grilled chicken and beef. Obama also sampled inexpensive Vietnamese bún chả with Anthony Bourdain, reflecting his appreciation for authentic, unpretentious food.
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