While The President was in the UK for the G-20, local genealogical enthusiasts traced even more of the complicated Obama ancestral heritage. It was thrillingly discovered that in addition to his Irish, African, American and whatev roots, on his maternal side Bam is also related to Thomas Blossom, a Puritan who was born in Great Shelford and later moved to Stapleford (the two villages are near Cambridge, England). Thomas Blossom journeyed to the New World in 1620 on one of the sister ships of the Mayflower...and the rest is history. Needless to say, the citizens of the modern-day villages of Great Shelford and Stapleton are thrilled with their close linkage to Bam. So what's the typical homage response when you're In Awe of Obama? Why food, of course.Local restaurateurs have created Obama "delicacies," aptly and punnily titled (in pic, above). The Barack O'bhuna, from Zara Indian Cuisine, is a spicy curry dish, and the Shelford Delicatessen has created the Yes We Can Flan (let's pause for a moment to appreciate a British deli creating a Spanish dessert...that's awesomely multi-culti, just like the Prez). But the UK foodie homagers aren't stopping with just creating the dishes. Local rag the Cambridge News is reporting that the restaurateurs sent samples of the dishes off to the White House, and these will be awaiting Bam when he returns from the Baroque Obama European Tour later today. Margaret Twitchell, of Shelford Delicatessen, told Cambridge News that she hopes that White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford will be adding the swell dishes to the White House menu.
It's very sad, but Ob Fo feels compelled to report that the White House has a policy of throwing away foodie gifts sent to the Obamas:
For security reasons, please do not send consumable gifts -- such as food, flowers, and other perishable items -- to the White House. While President Obama, the First Lady, Vice President Biden, and Dr. Biden appreciate your thoughtfulness, they request that instead you look to your local community for opportunities to assist your neighbors in need.
Oh well, it's still a lovely Homage a Obama...and perhaps Jamie Oliver can be convinced to get in on the action, if Cris Comerford proves unlobby-able....
*In photo: Back left, Miranda Fletcher of Shelford Delicatessen and Pete Bassett with, front, Pasha Kasim, left, from Zara Indian Cuisine and his Barack O’bhuna curry and, right, Drew Wilkinson, Shelford Delicatessen owner, with the ‘Yes we can flan,' courtesy of Cambridge News
