The Presidential Dining Power Rankings

George H. W. Bush nearly banned broccoli from his White House. Seriously—there’s an entire Wikipedia page titled George H.W. Bush broccoli comments, and after reading the “analysis” section, I’ve become certain: If I was eight years old, I would’ve loved to have dined with Bush 1.0.

However, since I’m no longer in third grade, the 41st White House is not my preferred presidential dining destination. As you’ll be happy to know, many of our nation’s leaders didn’t just stomach their green vegetables, they embraced them. Even seasoned them. And, in Nixon’s case, likely poured ketchup on them.

So, ahead of President’s Day weekend, I asked myself the all-important question: If I could go back in time and dine at any White House, which Presidency would I choose?

And—in the event that my first choice is busy on the day that my time machine works—I prepared a few backup options.

Without further ado, welcome to the Presidential Dining Power Rankings.

Who’s Eligible

I’ve considered only administrations from the 20th century and onward. This is primarily for ethical reasons (read: not supporting slavery), but also to reduce my odds of returning to the present day with dysentery.

How I Judged Them

I’ve evaluated eligible administrations based on their performance in the following categories:

• Flavor: Will I enjoy the food?
• Ambiance: What’s this White House’s general dining vibe?
• Drama: How juicy are the dynamics at the table?

This is more art than science—meaning, categories have been weighted differently for each president, and sometimes the drama in the kitchen trumps the meals served. Also: These are my rules.

Notable Absences

The majority of eligible presidents did not make the cut . If you want to make the case that Trump’s Happy Meal smorgasbord warrants culinary recognition, sound off in the comments—I’m sure it’s not the first time you’ve been there.

3. The Clinton Administration in 1993

Pierre Chambrin’s brief tenure as Bill Clinton’s White House Executive Chef was filled with butter and rebellion. Born and trained in France, Pierre’s unwavering commitment to classic culinary techniques—like sourcing local ingredients and refusing to listen to other people—disturbed the Clinton administration so much he was fired after just one year. Allegedly incapable of cooking “low-fat” dishes and “taking orders” from others (including the President), Pierre’s antics sound dated and exhausting, but also absolutely delicious.

• Flavor: Butter. Foie Gras. Chanterelles.
• Ambiance: White tablecloths, crystal wine glasses, and controversy.
• Drama: It’s like The Bear, only set in The White House in the 90s. Just imagine the Christmas dinner scene.

2. The Biden Administration

Cristeta Comerford, President Biden’s Chef, was the first woman to become White House Executive Chef. And she’s held the position longer than almost anyone, as she’s run the kitchen on Pennsylvania Avenue since 2005. Surviving four presidencies—all with distinct palates—it’s clear Chef Comerford has immense culinary range (and people skills). Beyond the brilliance of Chef Comerford, a meal with Biden promises two additional perks: 1) Ice cream (Joe loves the stuff) and 2) dining with Andrew Pearce serveware. According to Mr. Pearce, the Biden Administration was fond enough of his woodworking to request a special order delivered to the White House.

• Flavor: Chef Comerford’s resume speaks for itself—she will match whatever flavor you seek.
• Ambiance: Other than the fact that everyone might be on TikTok during the meal (including Joe), this will be a pleasant, relaxing meal.
• Drama: Relatively less drama in this administration, but with no time machine required, people might actually believe that I dined at the White House. That counts for something.

1. The Johnson Administration

If this exercise was strictly about food, a meal prepared by Zephyr Wright, President Johnson’s personal cook, would still occupy the top position here. Known for her “homemade ice cream” and “monumental Sunday breakfasts of deer sausage, home cured bacon, popovers, grits, scrambled eggs, homemade peach preserves and coffee,” I would devour anything she made. However, my interest in dining with Zephyr Wright extends beyond food—it’s well reported that Zephyr shared her experiences as a black woman during Jim Crow and helped influence President Johnson’s signage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In fact, Zephyr was given one of the pens LBJ used to sign the act into law.

• Flavor: The breakfast of your dreams.
• Ambiance: Zephyr apparently made dinner at the White House a coveted invite.
• Drama: See above.