Alex Prud’homme’s new book, Dinner with the President, is a history of American food, politics, and 26 presidents, from George Washington starving at Valley Forge in 1777 to Donald Trump’s burger banquets. It was such a good time having Alex on the show to talk about how food has been used as a diplomatic tool since the founding of the United States, as well as some underrated cooks living in the White House. Finally, Grace Coolidge gets the respect she deserves. We also talk with Alex about his journalism, how he wrote a New Yorker article that would go on to inspire the Soup Nazi character on Seinfeld, and the book he wrote with his great-aunt Julia Child that would inspire many movies and TV shows. Alex is such a great guest, and I hope you enjoy our talk.
Also on the show, Aliza and Matt talk about their recent trips to Miami and Tel Aviv, while discussing the value of fresh-cut tropical fruit and raspberry yogurt.
MORE FROM ALEX PRUD’HOMME:
- The Man Behind the Soups [The New Yorker]
- Alex Prud’homme Wishes He Was in the Room Where It Happened [NYT]
- Jacques Pépin and Alex Prud'homme on entertaining Julia Child-style [GBH]
- The Israel Issue [TASTE]
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