Barack and Michelle Obama
have developed a reputation for dining out in Washington more than any
other recent First Couple. Whereas George W. Bush rarely
ventured outside the White House for food, the current President and First
Lady seem to love their covert trips off the reservation. Here’s a guide
to where they’ve eaten out—and with whom.
Politicos, Prime Ministers, and Presidents
Ray’s Hell-Burger: Once with Joe Biden, another time with then-Russian president
Dmitry Medvedev
1789: With German chancellor Angela Merkel
Woo Lae Oak: With South Korean foreign minister Kim Sung-huan, and South
Korean president Lee Myung-bak
Ben’s Chili Bowl: With former DC mayor Adrian Fenty
Regular Folks and Contest Winners
Scion; Liberty Tavern; Boundary Road; Ted’s Bulletin; Lincoln (more cheeseburgers); Kenny’s BBQ Smoke House
Date Night
Citronelle (surprising Michel Richard); Komi; Tosca; Vermilion
Took the Kids
Thomas Sweet; The Dairy Godmother
Birthdays and Anniversaries
The Source; Restaurant Nora; BLT Steak; Blue Duck Tavern;
Restaurant Eve; Equinox
Takeout
Taylor Gourmet; Five Guys; Del Ray Pizzeria; Texas Ribs &
BBQ
Michelle’s Spots
Georgia Brown’s; Proof; Eatonville (who kept it under wraps); Good Stuff Eatery; Oyamel;
Acadiana; We, the Pizza; B. Smith’s
Namesake Treats
Obama-inspired dishes proliferated in 2008, but some have had
staying power. Here’s how restaurants are celebrating the
eater-in-chief:
Prez Obama Burger
A $6.98 pileup of bacon, onion marmalade, Roquefort, and
horseradish mayo at Good Stuff Eatery.
Obama’s Home Sweet Home
A riff on a rickey made with Bulleit bourbon, lime, club soda,
and pineapple juice at DC’s Topaz Bar.
The Obama Burger
A $28 Wagyu burger with bacon, cheddar, scallion mustard, and
house-made ketchup at BLT Steak.
This article appears in the September 2012 issue of The Washingtonian.