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Archive for category President Obama

Opening Day: Let’s Hear it for #44

Apr 5

Posted by admin in President Obama, news

Nothing like Opening Day of the baseball season and the final evening of college basketball–a real sport-filled day with so many food options. Baseball grabs the day’s early headlines as excitement surrounds the Big Day. With all the weeks of spring training, nothing prepares you for record crowds like having the President of the United States ready his pitching arm to throw out the first pitch. President Obama continues a tradition that dates back 100 years, and the Washington Nationals are ready for his appearance.president

The Nats meet the Phillies in what promises to be not only a good game on the field, but one the concessionaires will truly enjoy. There are some new foods gracing the corridors. Let’s start with one of the city’s top food destinations, Ben’s Chili Bowl, a must-visit for newcomers with several locations at the Park. For the traditionalists, there are no shortage of burger, hot dog, and pizza possibilities and then a carb world away are a few places that list “healthy options.” Somehow a baseball stadium and healthy options used together in a single sentence sound like a work of science fiction, but that is old school. Now there are choices including hummous, gluten-free pretzels, and even grilled chicken sandwiches minus the bun!

Ice cream stands will probably experience long lines to match the weather. Last year it was coffee stands that were doing a brisk business as the temperature was more fitting for an indoor sport. Not this year. It’s a sunscreen experience.

Other days; other parks. The healthy food option seems to be a sign of the times. When the Nats visit the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, vegetarian options lead the field. The Park earned the title as top vegetarian choice for baseball dining. Maybe this was the tie-breaker: A crab-free crab cake sandwich! Hmm.

Can’t wait to hear that famous magical phrase,  Batter Up as #44 throws out the first ceremonial toss.

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Heart Month and Wine

Feb 6

Posted by admin in President Obama, health, news

It’s truly appropriate in this month of love, V-Day time, to focus on our hearts and have heart-healthy discussions. The month has been designated as American Heart Month. Plenty of foods qualify as heart-healthy and exercise regimes are well focused on their benefits to the heart. It’s also a perfect time to talk about wine and its benefits and find the affordable, drinkable wines that please your palate.

Consider this: Wine prices continue to drop as more distributors have become knowledgeable about less expensive wines. Is the Cabernet rush over? Some would say it has been toned down considerably for its price escalation and our newly-found interest in the under $20 and under $10 bins. Have you seen the latest strategy: Plenty of 2nd label wines are appearing in our markets and are filling up consumer carts as they are averaging $7. Hard to beat a price like that for an everyday drinkable product! If you don’t believe me, study the crowds at Trader Joe’s filling their baskets with $4.99 bottles!fuerzamalbec

Yes, the California Cab has proven an expensive luxury for many while European and South American wines are having a front row seat at the wine bar.

Time to take care of your heart. Enjoy the requisite number of fruits and vegetables, eat the right proteins, choose fats carefully, and take out your favorite glass.

Wine works wonders to soothe the soul and keep the heart healthy.

Salud.

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Hard to Resist the Human Adventure

Jun 1

Posted by admin in Administration, First family, Michelle Obama, President Obama, dining out, health

Two days have passed, and I’m still thinking about the reality of the current Administration. I promised her a trip to New York and the theatre after the whole election process was over. That was the way President Obama explained their night out in New York City. 

My take: No explanation needed. You two have given the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers image a heightened perspective. After all you are the President and the First Lady and when you waltz into a room or glide into a theatre, the literal swoon takes over.

The approach and philosophy are such human qualities. It’s so wonderful. As noted before it is terrific to have an Administration that’s in touch. That has a life.

Sure we don’t jet off to New York in Air Force One or its cousin smaller plane and then take the helicopter into the city for dinner and a play. We aren’t the First Family. What do you want them to do, take the $25 bus from DC to New York and miss the play?

Time is too critical; there are too many matters that need desk time before the promise gets fulfilled. Let’s not forget security. It is the elephant in the room at every juncture. It’s in place for a reason. Transport them in the safest way possible. 

Anyway the transportation accouterments come with the office; better to use them than to take the plane for a flyover publicity stunt. Oh, that genius of a marketing person is history!

The homage to Dan Barber is well deserved. He is the New York king of local product and leader of the East Coast freshness movement with his New York restaurant Blue Hill and his upstate dining experience, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a restaurant and a working farm (The Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture): Perfect Symbiosis. 

The First Family has very carefully chosen their dining out evenings. The fact that they have date night just enhances their human quality appeal. The streets of New York were lined with the gawkers. Why not? Gawk away; it is a privilege to see them out and about. The New York Times photo shows the excitement.31obama.650

The Fairy Tale continues.

That’s great news for everyone.

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A Regular Guy–YES

May 6

Posted by admin in President Obama, life, news

There’s so much we agree on. It’s a feel good morning. It’s even been a while since I’ve commented on politics, but the politics of food always turns my burners into high gear.

Yes, President Obama took the motorcade across the Potomac yesterday for a burger. Not just any burger but one of Ray’s as in Ray’s Hell Burger. This is a Michael Landrum spot, and it continues to wow. Landrum received the ultimate compliment yesterday when the President and the Vice Presidentburgerprez pulled up, waited in line just like everyone else, and ordered a non-fancy, but expertly cooked burger. He even treated the Press Corps so no one left hungry. I have to admit the line can be daunting so I’m often slathering mine at his other location (the bar) at Ray’s the Classics in Silver Spring.

The second mention for Landrum was in the wine column where the discussion centered around the new wine guy hired to oversee all of his restaurants. That is the pedigreed Mark Slater who came from Michel Richard’s Citronelle to lose his tux and wine cup and create a reasonably priced, as in affordable, wine list. Actually the full circle joke: The President and Michelle dined at Citronelle on Saturday.

Love this First Family–they are alive; they eat, they partake, they are part of the city and the whole metropolitan area.

Washington is feeling it.

Yes.

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It's In My Cart–I Can Buy It, Right?

Feb 22

Posted by admin in FDA, President Obama, food

If I go down the aisles and put items in my cart, I assume I can buy them. I’m not questioning if I have the money to buy them; that might be a different issue. Have you ever wanted to buy something and the store said NO. Well, it can happen. It happened to me yesterday, and, at first, it felt invasively odd.

I was at my favorite Target  and filled my cart with food; their prices are amazing. I always find a new example of why I go there. My sister-in-law touted their milk prices. I quickly countered her comment with–check out the eggs, the juices, and the cereals. I didn’t want to bore her with all the aisles I score in!

Back to yesterday. I went to check-out and wham, the computer told the checker I couldn’t have that product. What? The computer told the checker to call the manager who came over, looked at the computer, and took the product away. No detailed explanation: just following instructions, ma’am.

Wait. That was either very clever or just plain weird. I did not buy the last of that product nor was it the first time I purchased the refrigerated potatoes. After all their price rocks on this item, too. What transpired? Not sure but have to figure that Target’s software and hardware options were far superior to my general purchasing prowess.  

So I began a search, and within a single google query, I found out how smart Target really was: there was a voluntary recall the day before on some items of this product line.  We do not take chances is what their computer said.

Mind you, this is way before an FDA food recall. Look, there’s no mention of this on thatpotato government site today, 2 days after the voluntary decision! Way before a major release. Yes, President Obama, the FDA needs a major fix–put some stimulus money into hiring more inspectors.

It’s just Target taking care of us and saving themselves a major headache. I’m impressed that they can program their software so wisely; that they can save me from myself.

Thank you.

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V-Day Weekend: A Recipe for Romance

Feb 10

Posted by admin in Economy, President Obama, restaurants

With the economy in such turmoil and restaurants tripping over each other to invite you into their comfortable environs, this year’s Valentine’s Day may not be be a restaurant lovefest. Normally when the evening is a Saturday night, restaurants do the whoopee party. They celebrate with overflowing tables.

Not this year. It’s questionable how many people will go out for a special dinner. Some restaurants have adjusted their calendars and turned them into Valentine’s Weekend Specials. Others are just scaling back and hoping that  traditionalists will stay on the agenda and celebrate in a restaurant.

These are bad times for restaurants and Valentine’s Day, the second most popular holiday after Mother’s Day for dining out, may find fewer taking advantage of the many specials. The dozen roses from the local grocery store or the cliched box of heart-shaped chocolates may prove more popular than the romantic restaurant meal. This may be the night for the less expensive, potentially equally romantic, home-cooked dinner.

Dinner for two, prix-fixe menu, champagne dinner–these are all common Valentine’s Day front-burner restaurant choices, but will the numbers match those of just even a year ago?

The Washington, DC area is bracing for the answer to the ultimate heartfelt boost: Where will President Barack and Michelle Obama dine? Everyone is waiting and shouting, “pick me…please.” The long-term benefits from such a visit are measurably positive. The secret’s safe with me. Where will they dine?

The glasses are chilling.

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Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Feb 1

Posted by admin in Administration, Biden, Economy, First family, President Obama, food, washington post

Amazing what’s going on. It’s a true lovefest, and no one wants it to end. Here we are at almost week 2 of this new Administration and everything is still darling. We love Him and Her, and don’t forget the two young ladies. Everything is smooth, fun, and seemingly public.

Look, this is the week that was. We learned that you could be yourself if you worked in the White House on weekends. No need to dress up. No coat and tie rule. You’ve come to work, so work. That’s pretty straightforward. Leave your torn jeans at home and come on in.

Washington’s real welcome to the new President came in the form of a snow storm which was followed by an ice storm. Now people here do not drive well normally and when it snows, it’s better to sit it out for a while as the SUV’ers think it’s a breeze, but somehow they wind up on the nightly news as the vehicles that overturned and blocked lanes of traffic –too fast, big guys.

No one likes ice. It’s very hard to drive in and the coating it gave our snow was miserable. Somewhere in the middle of a meeting, a publicly recorded event, the new President interjected how tough Chicago is as no school/snow days are unheard of.  He said Malia even commented that they go out for recess everyday in Chicago, not just when it’s above freezing, Washington style. Welcome to the snow-adverse city with minimal amounts creating cancelled classes and delayed openings. Yes, I believe the new President will be able to figure out how to fix this little issue, too. Two words: snow removal.

It wasn’t the fact that it snowed that was interesting. It was how human the new President was to comment on a life issue, a family matter. Family is clearly important to this new DC resident who speaks of having breakfast with his family prior to a school send-off and the 30-second walk to his office. He is delighted to have this time together. Listen up official Washington: That means dinnertime, too. This man wants dinner with his family. He is not afraid to go back to the office after family time. The message is clearly something that can translate into many lives. Be home. Spend some time together. Make it quality time.

Let’s stop here a minute: there was plenty of other news from the White House this week. We do not need to talk Stimulus, Tarp, bipartisan cooperation, etc. etc. Those weighty matters are with us. It is much healthier to focus on the newness of life in this city. The fact that we again have a pulse.

Michelle Obama was a darling of the media this week, too. Deservedly so. She championed Lilly Ledbetter who was deprived an equal salary so many years ago when she found out it was too late to complain. The new Equal Pay Bill, aptly called the “Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act,” assures workers more time to complain about unequal pay in the workplace. If Michelle Obama continues to champion women’s rights and fairness, this country will thrive even higher.

Yet, there’s always time to go out: To celebrate the city. Why not grab your new friend Jill, the vice-President’s wife, and meet up with Mayor Fenty and his wife for a little lunch at one of my favorite downtown restaurants, Georgia Brown’s. I sure hope she ordered the chicken livers. They are dynamite.

Every restaurant within close proximity of the White House should be keeping its fingers crossed as the two publicly mentioned outings have been to nearby restaurants, easy walks, if that were only possible.  Who’ll be next? You can hear Ten Penh, Bombay Club, and Old Ebbitt Grill shouting, pick me, pick me. Wherever the Obamas, individually or as a family dine, they will make a lot of people happy. Having the first family eat out is good for business, and smiling faces are especially appreciated at this economically gloomy time.

The city’s mood is more upbeat. It’s been a good ride. Let’s hang on. This city somehow feels so much more normal. We have real people in charge with the interest of the country and their values at the forefront. Score another victory for this new President and his family.

Keep on the Normal Track.

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I Heard It Again

Jan 27

Posted by admin in Administration, Economy, President Obama, life, washington post

What a treat. Every time I hear the two words together, I think I am imagining things. That it’s a dream. A sweet one, but a dream.

Yes, it is true, the words “President Obama” have a sweet ring. It is not fantasy nor A Dream Deferred. This life had been deferred, but now it is fulfilled. It is reality, and a very good one at that. Instead of waiting for the first 100 days, the talking heads are focusing on the first 100 hours, and what a whirlwind it has been. Instead of slowly acclimating to the new position, this President and his Administration have hit the ground running, at record speed. So much has been done already. So many issues in play.

We do not even need to talk specifics. Rather our focus should be on the President’s quick action and fulfillment of his many campaign conversations. No one is sitting around and talking about what they are going to do in the upcoming weeks. They have put programs into place already; immediately. This is truly impressive.

Now all they have to do is modernize The White House and its technology capability. It needs to function at the level that the campaign used so effectively; rather than the more primitive, basic conditions that staffers found. This Administration has a lot to communicate and needs the most effective means possible to match the speed of change.

If we were hopeful before, we now understand what our excitement was all about.

Yes, President Obama. A sweet sound.white-housewhite-house1whitehousewelcomepg

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We Are Ready

Jan 21

Posted by admin in History, Inauguration, President Obama, life

Amazing. It is now 10 PM on the day the world stood still and listened, and I am at my computer for the first time. It is nice to know that I DO have my priorities in place: I started watching television at 7 AM and stayed glued to the proceedings until the new President and First Lady left the parade viewing box. I did not check my Blackberry nor turn on my computer.  Bigger events had overcome the need for any other communication. I did rely on my Tivo as a walkaround was often needed! Yes, it has been an amazing day. More amazing than I could even imagine. I learned a lot today including some horrible pieces of information about us as a nation.

We have heard the call and will move forward. I love the idea that this President understands how we must once again regain our leadership role in the world. Americans are obviously ready to help–2 million people standing outside for hours in less than ideal temperatures says it all. They shouted the President’s name and wore a variety of outfits showing their support. My favorite was a t-shirt with the new President’s face adorning a big S, Superman body–this shirt may have said it all. We are looking for a superhero and have found one, our new rock star who happens to be our new President, Barack Obama.

Just saying the name and the title together brings both a smile and a sense of relief. We are under a new administration and the city and the Nation are abuzz with the prospect that things will change. Hope has arrived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and the world should sleep better knowing that change has come and America is back. We need time but we can attain all our greatness under this leadership.

Listen, world, hear us roar. We are coming back. I plan to sleep well tonight. We can become that great Nation we all want.

Good night.

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