Hail to the Burger Chief

In just 50 days, Americans will head to the polls to choose either Barack Obama or Mitt Romney as the next president of the United States. But, if you are willing to reveal your political taste early, you can demonstrate your preference for either Democrats or Republicans between now and Election Day at 2 DC eateries.

At Chef Spike Mendelssohn' 2 Good Stuff Eateries (one on Capitol Hill, one in Crystal City) they are cooking up a pair of politically themed burgers modeled after campaign surrogates (and real-life spouses) James Carville and Mary Matalin.

The Ragin’ Cajun looks every bit as menacing as its namesake pundit. The cholesterol bomb is outfitted with a thick, breaded “Creole” onion ring, golden cap of molten cheddar and vinegary pickle slices.  A zesty chipotle barbecue sauce completes the package .The Sharp & Sassy tastes more refined, even if properly appreciating it does require getting a little sloppy. Grilled portabellas tumble from the burger, exposing a patty enrobed in a froth of peppadew pepper-spiked mayo and rapidly reducing goat cheese.

Democratic and Republican strategists Carville and Matalin were both consulted about the signature sandwiches and were given final approval over each.

Meanwhile, at California Tortilla, the political battle is between the Obama's Chicken Teriyaki Luau Bowl and Romney's Mexican Mitt-loaf Bowl. The dishes were named after the candidates families home areas of Hawaii and Mexico.

The Obama dish features Mexican rice, grilled chicken, Teriyaki sauce, stir-fry vegetables, grilled pineapple spears, and chopped green onions.

The Romney dish contains grilled Mexican meatloaf, mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, sweet and savory meatloaf sauce, corn, salsa, and chopped green onion.

Tales, Tips, Tidbits
So who is winning the political cuisine battle? Partial results show that Obama is ahead of Romney at the Good Stuff Eatery sites by a 480 to 315 vote count. A press account says Obama's bowl leads Romney's dish 52% to 48% in the California Tortilla contest. For the sake of full disclosure, I have eaten the Obama Chicken Teriyaki Luau Bowl, but have yet to sample the Ragin' Cajun burger. I think I'll pass on the Romney Republican dishes. They are too rich for my taste.