POTUS Pop-up: We (Heart) Obama!

Event Description

Inspired by President Obama's love of mixed nuts, the beehives of the White House, and the flavors of the Japanese/Hawaiian fusion cuisine of the island of Oahu. Almonds marinated in a Sudachi Teriyaki and slow roasted then finished with a sweet and savory spice blend.

Course 1 – The Humble Shrimp and Grits

Just as President Obama rose to power by displaying bold ideas with a humble approach, so does this dish! Spicy shrimp and chorizo on a bed of Cheddar grits and topped with crunchy fried onions. 

Course 2- The "Off-White House" Salad

As a known lover of arugula, President Obama found ways to work it into as many salads as possible. With that in mind, this salad is a play on the classic White House Salad. Seasoned with sweet corn, sugar snap peas, sesame seeds, avocado, and finished with a ginger-sesame dressing.

Course 3 – The Oahusubi (Oahu Style-Musubi)

Spam is a staple of the Polynesian kitchen due to the presence of the U.S. military bases during World War II. As a retired Army medic and former Hawaiian resident, this dish holds a dear place in my heart. A slight shift from the classic musubi, the addition sweet Chinese sausage, rose rice simmered in a white miso broth, and ponzu-glazed spam creates a rich new flavor.

Course 4 – Sliders Two Ways

Drawing influence from President Obama's Kenyan, Kansan and Hawaiian heritage, these two “sliders” represent Obama’s diversity on one plate. The "Bierock Obama" is a play on the German-style stuffed rolls that are popular in Kansas. This handmade, yeast-raised dough is stuffed with Kenyan coriander lamb, sweet onions, and cabbage. The Lau-Lau Slider offers Kailua Pork roasted for hours until fork-tender, wrapped in collard greens and banana Leaves. It is topped with Kecap Manis (Indonesian sweet soy glaze).

Course 5 - The Chi-town Shuffle

A nod to the classic Chicago style hot dog, this dish is refined vision, yet playful. I want to keep the full details secret, but this a dog worthy of a president!

Course 6 – Taro Hand Pies and Chocolate Ice Cream

For the final course, a meeting of the American South and Polynesian cuisine. Taro is a purple yam similar to the sweet potatoes of the South. These hand pies are filled with a taro coriander custard and served with a spiced mellow whip. A scoop of chocolate ice is what Barack had on his first date with Michelle.

--Chef Harold Sims