Obama Center, Chicago Chefs Cook Partner on 8/22 Food Event

"Food and the American Story" to Feature Panel Discussion, Tasting

The two-term presidency of Barack Obama was notable for its efforts to elevate public awareness of the need for a better food system. First Lady Michelle Obama played a leading role in the establishment of a vegetable garden on the White House grounds. The Let's Move program urged people to get more exercise. Sam Kass, an advocate for a sustainable food system, served as the Obamas' personal chef and held the title of Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition.

So it is no surprise that the newly opened Obama Presidential Center — in partnership with the Chicago Chefs Cook philanthropic coalition — is presenting an event on Saturday, August 22 titled "Food and the American Story."

This special event complements activities already under way that include the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden on the rooftop of the Chicago Public Library on the Center's grounds; Tafari's Kitchen, curated by Chicago Chef Cliff Rome, which sources ingredients from the garden; and a bi-weekly summer series (launching July 12 in concert with Chicago's Urban Growers Collective non-profit) called Garden Gatherings, which will focus on gardening practices, food preservation and more.

Here is how the Obama Foundation describes the "Food and the American Story" program (the Center notes that tickets to this event do not include access to the presidential museum):

Join acclaimed chefs and food leaders for a conversation on how food tells the story of America — through culture, migration, and identity. After the talk, explore tasting stations featuring local chefs from across Chicago.

Hear directly from chefs about how food connects to history, place, and belonging.

This program begins with a live conversation featuring Chefs Cliff Rome, Maya-Camille Broussard, Matthew Raiford, and Adrian Miller. The discussion explores how culinary traditions — from farming to baking to beverages — reflect personal and collective histories, including the movement of people and culture from the South to the Midwest.

After the talk, you can move into the atrium to try dishes prepared by chefs from across Chicago, in partnership with Chicago Chefs Cook. Event attendees must be 18+.

Local chefs from Chicago Chefs Cook:

Sarah Stegner — Prairie Grass Cafe

Sebastian White — The Evolved Network

Erick Williams — Virtue Restaurant & Bar

Tigist Reda — Demera Ethiopian Restaurant

Diana Dávila — Mi Tocaya Antojería

D'Andre Carter — Soul & Smoke

Maya-Camille Broussard — Justice of the Pies

Darnell Reed — Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Sahil Sethi — Sifr

And the Chicago Chefs Cook perspective:

The event, “Food and the American Story”, features a powerful panel of culinary leaders and scholars exploring how food tells the story of America — through culture, migration, identity, and the communities we continue to build together.

Through our work serving communities we have seen firsthand the power food has to bridge cultures, preserve traditions, strengthen communities, and inspire action. That’s why this partnership with @obamafoundation @mattfulle and the #OPC Team is so meaningful — it’s a chance to celebrate the stories that connect us and the incredible chefs who bring those stories to life every day.

Following the panel, guests will enjoy tastings from an extraordinary lineup of Chicago’s chef civic leaders, showcasing the immense talent, diversity, and pioneering spirit that define our city’s culinary community.

For those in Chicago on August 22nd, we hope you’ll join us.

All of this for just $65. Click below and get your tickets soon, as this is sure to be a very popular event.

GET TICKETS FOR THE EVENT

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHICAGO CHEFS COOK

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