White House

What does one bring on a tour of the White House?

The White House rolled out the red carpet for our chef's tour

We were not allowed to bring backpacks, bags, or purses of any kind.  Luckily, a camera was permitted…

I have to admit that I did not go to the White House with any real expectations. I was curious about the garden, and perhaps, the kitchen.

I was thrilled to be a part of a tour of the White House led by White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford, and Bill Yosses, the Head Pastry Chef.  I attended the tour along with other chefs taking part in the week of festivities surrounding food in Washington D.C.

Bill Yosses led us on the tour. While showing us the interiors and grounds, he shared his own stories of a typical day working in the White House - a world of finely coordinated meals and setting tables.

I was somewhat taken aback by the size of the White House garden - surprisingly small.  Sam Kass, Head Assistant White House Chef, met us in the garden. He seemed quite out of place wearing his very shiny shoes, stepping on damp muddy grounds. He was proud of the garden and told us that the garden produces thousands of vegetables.

I wondered - how is that possible?

The White House winter garden

The answer: three Reemay fabric hoops covering the very young plants providing frost protection.  In addition to the garden, there are also bees.  It is hopeful that the two colonies of parasite-resistant honey bees will pollinate the White House garden and thrive in their new-found home.

I spoke with Chef Kass and expressed my thoughts to him about the importance of sharing with America exactly what is coming out of the White House garden and how he is preparing and cooking it for the Obamas.

Here I am with Alice Waters and Filippo Bartolotta presenting Seedless Kishu Mandarins that Alice brought for the Obama's from Ojai, California (only Alice...)

Americans are paying attention to the Obamas, what they are doing - how they are living their lives. If America looks to the Obamas, sees firsthand that they are growing a garden and their personal experience with their garden, a result is that more American families will be growing gardens.

Next, they need to know what to do with the produce. We discussed how our communities need to hear the stories behind the bounties of the White House garden.

• What are Sasha and Malia are eating for dinner?
• What types of meals are being prepared for guests?
• Does all or most of the produce they use come from the White House garden?  Local resources?

Sam Kass discussing kid's menus on our White House garden tour

Another discussion with Sam Kass centered around restaurant kid’s menus.  Is it possible to phase out these types of menus from America’s restaurants?

What would eating out be like without the option of chicken fingers? (containing chicken, we think, though we don’t know where it is from - as well as containing lots of other things we don’t really want to think about).

What about roasted root vegetables instead of French fries?

Obviously, kid’s menus and what they represent for children and our communities as a whole need further exploration.

Dale Haney, the White House gardener, spoke with us at the site of the new vegetable garden planted on the South Lawn.  During the discussion, we talked about the garden and the political and environmental symbolism which has been associated with it.  The Obamas were lobbied for months by advocates who believe that growing more food locally and organically can lead to more healthful eating and reduce reliance on huge industrial farms that then use more oil for transportation, as well as chemicals for fertilizer.

Overall, the power of Michelle Obama and the White House garden can create a very positive and effective message about eating delicious, healthy, and nutritious food. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this could translate into real change in American communities.

The expectations of a vegetable garden at the White House are many.  The Obamas and their garden have a lot to live up to with regard to the current local food movements sweeping through our communities.  Of course, this is all more ‘food for thought’ regarding the First Family, their garden and the multitude of inspiration they could impart to our communities.

More tid-bits of interest:

• The White House currently has a Soda Room.  This room is stacked floor to ceiling with soda.
• There is a Wine Room which was surprisingly small.
• The White House has a ‘no smoking’ rule

BLOG ADDENDUM:

After publishing this entry, and several days after my return home to Martha’s Vineyard, Michelle Obama began a national campaign against child obesity.  Although I would like to say the inquisitiveness of our group the week before may have had some influence on her crusade, the First Lady’s campaign is framed around her personal experience with her daughters and their need to reduce sugary foods and beverages based on advice from the family pediatrician.

Michelle’s campaign is further encouragement from the White House - Do we dare to dream?

• Will the White House Soda Room become a Kombucha Room?
• What about composting toilets in the White House?
• A White House gray water system?  Why not?