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Dine like former President Barack Obama

A La Carte

January 13, 2019

Story By: Caroline Wright | Photos by: FILE PHOTOS

General manager Bill Nickerson welcomes former President Barack Obama PHOTO COURTESY BILL NICKERSON

No matter your political affiliation, it must be tremendously exciting when a former American president and his wife show up at your restaurant for a meal.

That’s what happened this past Monday (Jan. 7) at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, when Barack and Michelle Obama dropped by for dinner.

After a warm welcome from general manager Bill Nickerson, the Obamas each enjoyed a Rib Eye Steak ($65.95), sharing sides of sauteed spinach and steak fries. For dessert, server Emmanuel Cournede delivered Junior’s Cheesecake and Chocolate Mousse Pie, which the Obamas also shared.

Tomahawk Steak ($124.95)

“It was such a great honor to have them at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. They were gracious and fun and seemed to really enjoy their meal. We’re thrilled,” says Nickerson.

Small wonder that the Obamas were delighted with their meal at the legendary Waikiki restaurant, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in Hawaii next month. Every steak served at Wolfgang’s comes from Master Purveyors in New York City, founded in 1957. Upon arrival in Hawaii, the beef is dry-aged on-site and hand-cut by Wolfgang’s own butcher. And kamaaina are generally huge fans of ribeyes, according to Nickerson — apparently, Obama is no exception.

Seafood Platter ($34.95 per person)

“Fat gives flavor to a steak, and ribeyes have higher fat content than other steaks,” Nickerson explains. “I always say, if you go out to eat and look down and everybody has a ribeye, it’s a table of locals.”

Locals with presidential appetites also love Tomahawk Steak ($124.95). This 32-ounce USDA Prime ribeye is dry-aged on-site for 28 days, then French-trimmed and cooked in a 1,600-degree oven. It’s presented with bone and filet dramatically exposed, and can be cut into pupu-sized slices on request.

Rib Eye Steak ($65.95)

For those hungry for something from Poseidon’s pantry, Wolfgang’s Seafood Platter ($34.95 per person) includes heavenly Maine chick lobster, peeled colossal shrimp and delicate lump crab meat served with the restaurant’s own cocktail sauce.

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