Sam Kass, former chef for the Obamas and a nutrition advisor, shares captivating tales of cooking in the White House. He details the quirks of preparing meals on Air Force One and how he created the 'lucky pasta' dish. Kass also discusses the challenges of improving school lunch nutrition against corporate interests, revealing the complexities of food policy. Adding a light twist, he engages in a humorous debate about New York versus Chicago pizza, highlighting the intersection of food, politics, and health.
Sam Kass transformed his role as the Obamas' chef into a platform for advocating improved food policies and nutrition initiatives.
Cooking for President Obama on Air Force One involved creating impactful dishes under pressure, exemplified by the legendary 'Lucky Pasta'.
Deep dives
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Insight from a Former Presidential Chef
Sam Kass served as the personal chef for the Obama family, and his journey began with an audition where he impressed Michelle Obama with a pasta dish. While initially uncertain about the role of a private chef, Kass quickly became an integral part of the household, eventually focusing on food policy and nutrition initiatives alongside Michelle Obama. His experiences highlighted the importance of balancing personal cooking duties with significant policy work, which shaped his perspective on nutrition's impact on health. The relationships he built with the family provided a unique insight into the lifestyle and culinary preferences of a president.
Challenges of Cooking on Air Force One
Cooking on Air Force One presents unique challenges, including limited space and the need for quick meal preparations. Kass described his experience making 'Lucky Pasta' for President Obama before a crucial debate, emphasizing the pressure of creating a calming meal amid high-stakes moments. The success of the dish became legendary as it was associated with the president's improved performance during that debate. This scenario illustrates the pressures and expectations placed on a personal chef in close proximity to political events.
Advocating for Better Nutrition Policies
Sam Kass played a pivotal role in improving food policies, particularly regarding school lunches, during his time in the White House. He faced significant opposition from powerful lobbyists, including the potato lobby, which sought to maintain the status quo by classifying French fries as a vegetable. While not entirely successful in reducing the prevalence of French fries in school lunches, Kass's efforts did lead to an increase in the amount of vegetables served overall. This experience illustrates the complexities of navigating food policy amid economic interests and the importance of public advocacy for healthier options.
Sam Kass shares stories of his time as the Obama family’s chef — cooking on Air Force One, smuggling special ingredients into the White House, and creating a dish that came to be known as 'lucky pasta.'
This episode originally aired on October 29, 2018, and was produced by Dan Pashman, Anne Saini, and Aviva DeKornfeld, edited by Gianna Palmer, and mixed by Dan Dzula. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Nora Ritchie, and Jared O'Connell. This update was produced by Gianna Palmer. Publishing by Shantel Holder and transcription by Emily Nguyen.
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