Michelle Obama Visits Experimental Mix-In Burger Joint Eat Brgz

Eater DC ^ | 10/24/2019 | Gabe Hiatt

[simpson96]

Michelle Obama may be the picture of health, but the former first lady and best-selling memoirist isn’t above enjoying a burger, or, in this case, a “brg.” America’s favorite presidential spouse (sorry, Melania) paid a visit to Eat Brgz near Eastern Market earlier this week to sample a selection of the new fast-casual counter’s experimental mix-in burgers and proprietary low-fat, protein-packed milkshakes.

How Obama felt about the “brgz” — beef, chicken, or Impossible burgers with all the toppings mixed in and dipping sauces substituting for condiments — is unknown. But the visit itself shows that she supports her people. Alex May-Sealey, a staff member in Obama’s personal office, is married to Eat Brgz founder Brandon Gaynor.

Gaynor says the experimental burger shop, which opened in August, is starting to hit its stride with service and is selling a lot of its international brgz — there’s a feta-stuffed Kafta style and a Bombay-spiced Samosa flavor with carrots and peas. He’s surprised to report that the gluten-free cauliflower buns, held together with eggs and cheese, have accounted for almost a quarter of the store’s sales.

Obama has championed health as the leader of the Let’s Move! initiative tackling childhood obesity. Because she’s as close to perfect as humanly possible, she also understands the value of a splurge. While her husband’s tastes tilt toward burgers, Obama has crossed off a wide variety of D.C. restaurants on her own prolific list.

Meanwhile, as part of their deal with Netflix, the Obamas are working on a kids show called Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your Parents.

[miss marmelstein]

Favorite of WHOM, exactly?

[JBW1949]

Michelle Obama may be the picture of health,

America’s favorite presidential spouse (sorry, Melania)

Because she’s as close to perfect as humanly possible,

There are the three funniest lines I’ve read today...ROFL!!!!!!

[Pollard]

She was also seen holding a sausage - oh wait - that’s no sausage

[Buckeye McFrog]

I’ve never understood this fascination many have with watching and evaluating how a politician eats their food.

It can betray how far out of touch they are with average people. Nelson Rockefeller famously was served a hot dog on Coney Island which he attempted to eat from the side. An aide rushed up, whispered in his ear, and he proceeded to eat from the end like normal people. Teresa Heinz Kerry famously asked "What's Chili?" during a campaign stop at a Wendy's.

[Dr. Sivana]

I don’t like or even trust Michelle, but I would not want someone taking pictures of me eating, grinding and swallowing food.

I would normally agree with you, but Mrs. Obama falls intro a different category for two reasons.

1. The fashion industry and mass media decided to anoint her the New Jackie Kennedy, and she embraced the coverage. She allowed herself to be turned into an affirmative-action fashion icon.

2. She made food a centerpiece of her term as First Lady. On top of that, she didn't just go around the country saying "Just Say No" to whomever would listen like Mrs. Reagan did. No, she was influential in destroying the school lunch program. On top of that, many a sympathetic inner-city school (I use Rockford, IL as a real-life example) spent lots of scarce public school money on expensive urban gardens in response to her initiatives.

If she were Mamie Eisenhower, Bess Truman, Lady Bird Johnson or Laura Bush, I would agree with you. She wanted to be a celebrity in her own right. She gets all that goes with it.

[montag813]

Cheapskates. Look at the bun-to-meat ratio ripoff!

[fproy2222]

Your picture is looking above the shoes.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Michelle Obama could visit the ladies restroom and there would be a story about it somewhere.

[ronniesgal]

Don’t miss her a bit.

[cymbeline]

“memoirist”

New word for me

[ronniesgal]

I cannot watch people eat. I kinda look over their heads if I have to engage. Most folks eat like slobs!

[mass55th]

Mmmmm...wookie loves burger joints!!

[VietVet876]

Mike sidles up next Kasich at the urinals and says “Hey, John, lets go get something to slurp at the deli”.

[lee martell]

Good points.

[lee martell]

That day when Joan Rivers told one joke too many, and paid the price.

[bigbob]

She can eat sht.

[xp38]

It’s well known that anyone can look less than regal when eating. That is why press photos are banned when Queen Elizabeth is dining in public.

[Dr. Sivana]

Cheapskates. Look at the bun-to-meat ratio ripoff!

I'd have to taste the burger to decide. Many fast food burger joints expect you to double up (e.g. In 'n' Out, Steak 'n Shake). Others have the measly meat proportion as a feature, not a bug (White Castle, Krystal). This place seems to be promoting healthy fare (healthy in terms of burger lunches) so they have a bit of an out on that, especially if the bread is something better than Sunbeam or Holsum.

I'd have to taste it on its own terms. Though I'd probably see if they have a double burger option.

[Dr. Sivana]

I cannot watch people eat. I kinda look over their heads if I have to engage. Most folks eat like slobs!

Mrs. Sivana, you never told me you got a Free Republic account!

[jmacusa]

Why is this Amazonian tranny still in the news?