Presidential History: From hoe cakes to fast food — presidential tastes through history

From haute cuisine to humble home cooking, American presidents — like their fellow citizens — have embraced a wide range of foods and culinary traditions. Their tastes were shaped by childhood experiences, personal health, the customs of their era and their own individual quirks. Some presidents were true connoisseurs, others were unpretentious eaters, and a few viewed food merely as fuel. A 19th century gourmet once wrote, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.” The culinary habits of U.S. presidents offer an unexpected but revealing dimension to the character and personality of those who have held the nation’s highest office. By the time he became president, George...