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Barack Obama, Former TV Food Critic

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:15:59 -0800

Now that America has become familiar with President-elect Barack Obama's political agenda, the country has taken interest in the soon-to-be president's personal quirks and preferences. A clip surfaced of Obama on Check Please! Chicago, a Chicago series that features locals reviewing restaurants. In the August 2001 episode, the then-Illinois state senator raves about Dixie Kitchen, a Southern-, Cajun-, and Creole-influenced restaurant in his South Side neighborhood of Hyde Park. In the clip, Obama sounds surprisingly . . . well, just like us. "It's not gourmet cuisine, but that's not why I go to the Dixie Kitchen," he says. "What I'm looking for is food that tastes good for a good price." Yet his introspective nature is already evident, when he admits the johnnycakes are "dangerous," so "I've learned from my mistakes." Watch the clip when you read more.

I'm also somewhat surprised that Obama - famous for his healthy eating habits - chose to feature a restaurant like Dixie Kitchen. I myself have been to the North Shore outpost of this restaurant, and must admit that it's not exactly healthy fare (although the fried green tomatoes are delicious).

Watch the clip below and share your thoughts. Are you, too, fascinated by Obama's ordinary lifestyle?

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Laura Bush Prepares to Return to the Kitchen

YumSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:15:48 -0800

First Lady Laura Bush can host opulent diplomat dinners, but can she still stir the pots? As the first lady and her husband, President George W. Bush, get ready to move out of the White House next month, they're looking forward to returning to the humdrum of everyday life. For her, this means getting back into the kitchen. "I haven't cooked in 14 years," she told Fox News Channel's On the Record. Perhaps the first lady could use a refresher course on how to peel shrimp or some simple tips on one of the most basic cooking skills: scrambling eggs. "He can't even remember what it was like, and neither can I," she admits. "This will be interesting."

What advice do you have for First Lady Laura Bush as she attempts to polish her rusty cooking skills?

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Who Should Be the Next White House Chef?

YumSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:45:42 -0800

Now that we've taken care of the Presidential Election, we have other issues to tackle, such as pushing for a victory garden in the White House!

I shared with you some of Barack Obama's favorite restaurants across America, and now I'm curious to know who you think should cook for our new President.

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Obama's Favorite Restaurants

YumSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:30:38 -0800

We've been hearing lots about what President-elect Obama will do once he sets foot in the White House, but I'd like to steer the conversation to another titillating point: Barack's favorite dining spots. Sure, he's been seen eating in luncheonettes and diners along the campaign trail, but where does our soon-to-be chief really like to eat?

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Let's Dish: How Did You Ring in Election Night?

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:53 -0800

Regardless of who you voted for, last night was a monumental night in American history. I wasn't feeling so well, so I watched history unfold at home with a beer, although in any other capacity I would've attended PartySugar and LibertySugar's election night bash.

How did you ring in the election? Did you tune in at a sports bar, or throw your own party? What was your election night drink of choice?

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Would You Eat This Palin Sandwich?

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:30:09 -0800

Last week I couldn't stop gushing about Ike's Place, my new favorite sandwich joint in town. Well, this weekend, I made a return trip there and tried one of their new offerings, an election-minded sandwich called The Palin.

Generously sized for its $8.98 price tag, The Palin was jam-packed with shredded chicken breast, deep-fried mozzarella sticks, blue cheese, and Frank's Red Hot Sauce. While I wished there had been a little less hot sauce, I thought the result was one heavenly mess.

Vote Tomorrow, Score Free Food

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:00:12 -0800

Tomorrow, I'll be finding several ways to celebrate being an American. Obviously, I'm hitting up PartySugar and LibertySugar's election-night bash, but beforehand I'll cash in on some free food.

Present your "I Voted" sticker at Krispy Kreme and receive a sprinkle-studded, star-shaped doughnut at no cost. For a nice breakfast pairing, head to Starbucks, tell them you voted, and you'll get a free 12-ounce cup of coffee. And for dessert, go to any Ben & Jerry's between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to score a free scoop of ice cream.

Despite the fact that some are calling the promotions illegal, I think these freebies are a wonderful way to promote the vote. Plus, what better way to stay peeled to the results than with a delicious bargain?

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Come Party With Me: Election Night - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:15:04 -0700

For election night, go patriotic with the decor. Serve the food on modern, red trays. Since Liberty and I are hosting our bash at a local bar, the napkins and plates will be paper and plastic. Tie red, white, and blue balloons to the bar ends. Serve the drinks in Obama or McCain cups. Arrange a bouquet of red, white, and blue flowers. Hang a stars and stripes banner above the door, so guests know they are at the right bar. Put white candles in red glass votives and place them on the bar tables. When guests arrive, offer them a metallic star necklace.

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Yummy Links: From Ghoul-Aid to Alton Brown

partysugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:45:03 -0700

Celebrate Halloween by making ghoul-aid. - Hostess With the Mostess
If you are staying in on election night, cook a red- or blue-themed dinner. - GlamDish
European wines may contain high amounts of metal. - Vinography
Looking for a candy that's good for you? Try kiwiberries! - The Epi-Log
Everything you need to know about cheese. - Chow
Learn the difference between regular, smoky, Spanish, and Hungarian paprikas. - The Kitchn
Alton Brown on donuts. - Serious Eats

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Come Party With Me: Election Night - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:00:24 -0700

Elixir, the bar where LibertySugar and I are hosting our town-hall style election-night bash, is offering guests a selection of drinking specials for the party. With fabulous names like "Bye Bye Miss American Rye," the menu will feature only American brands like Bluecoat gin, Square One vodka, and Sam Adams brew. I plan on ordering the "Red, White, and Night" a potent, sangria-like concoction made with vodka, red wine, and lemonade. To serve up this slinger at your own election-night soirée, get the recipe and read more.

Red, White, and Night
Inspired by Elixir

Ingredients

3 ounces red wine
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce vodka

Directions

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine the wine with the simple syrup, lemon juice, and vodka.
Shake for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into another glass filled with ice and enjoy!

Makes 1 cocktail.

Print recipe with images | without images