Obama Restaurant Watch

The Obamas have been too busy this week to eat dinner out at a restaurant, but here's the recipe for the "creamless creamed spinach" that WH chef Cristeta Comerford has been making to wow Michelle Obama:

No Cream Creamed Spinach
Serves 6

2 pounds baby spinach, washed and cleaned
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper.

1. Blanch half a pound of spinach in salted, boiling water. Immediately, “shock” the blanched spinach in a bowl of iced water. Drain and squeeze out the excess water. Puree in a blender. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sweat the shallots and garlic until translucent. Add the rest of the spinach leaves. Toss and sauté until wilted. Fold in the spinach puree. Season with salt and pepper.

Dear Ms. Obama,

On Sunday, Son, DiL, and G/Son are taking me out for my birthday to Tap & Vine in near-by Arlington, VA. They have amazing Beef Short Rib Sliders - on two mini rolls with horseradish slaw and crispy fries, which the staff will gladly replace with truffled fries. And, it's v kid-friendly, so the girls would enjoy it, too. You'd love it, and you know that you owe VA some love.

Art found here.