Despite distinct political differences, presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush agreed on one thing: Dutch-style pot pie from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where doughy dumplings cooked in broth replace the expected buttery pie crust. Upon first trying the dish during their respective terms, each president summoned former White House chef John Moeller to their table, looked up over their eyeglasses, and said, “John, now this is the kind of food I like.”
“I kid you not — it was the exact ditto,” said the chef, who also cooked for George H.W. Bush during his 13 years in the White House. “There’s mutual ground to find there.”
Such stories will be paired with a seven-course, wine-enhanced meal that Moeller is preparing with the help of chef Michael Hutchings at a private home in Montecito on April 21. The $500-per-plate affair — abalone, squab, tenderloin, and 2005 Au Bon Climat pinot noir are just a few enticements — will benefit the nonprofit Central Coast Wine Classic, whose 31st incarnation goes down August 10-14 when it hits Santa Barbara for the first time.