Presidential pecan pie: Zingerman's delivers to Air Force One
Maybe Zingerman's is why President Barack Obama keeps coming back to Ann Arbor.
The popular Ann Arbor gourmet food destination and its treat-making arm, Zingerman's Bakehouse, on Friday delivered food, including pecan pie, to Air Force One, Zingerman's co-founder Paul Saginaw confirmed.
Zingerman's delivered to Air Force One today.
Jessica Webster | AnnArbor.com
The president, or at least someone on his staff — it's not clear which — must love Zingerman's, because it's not the first time the local institution has delivered to the presidential aircraft.
When Obama delivered the spring commencement address at U-M in May 2010, Zingerman's Catering delivered an order of five sandwiches and five sides to Air Force One. The order include items like the Oswald's Mile High sandwich and the classic Zingerman's Reuben.
It's unclear why the president passed up on an order of Baracky Road Gelato, a limited-time flavor Zingerman's created in 2009 and revived in 2010 to commemorate Obama's trip to Ann Arbor.
Pecan pie is remarkably less healthy than the president's breakfast on Friday — "three organic eggs, over-medium," according to a Sheraton Detroit-Metro Airport hotel employee who spoke to the Detroit Free Press.
The rest of Air Force One's order was not immediately available this evening.
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
Sparty
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
You do know that Bush's two unjustified Wars cost $5 trillion dollars: 1/3 of the entire US National Debt. Did you know that doesn't include Bush's most expensive addition to entitlement spending in over 50 years, Medicare Part D which was entirely unfunded? Or how about Bush's tripling of aid to Africa which was also unpaid for? All in all, although the Bush War expenses were off the books during his administration and are now "on the books" during Obama's, you can see where the money trail leads and it sure isn't from Obama. He is just trying to pay the ongoing bills he inherited. Check the facts ... you can't dispute them ... or wait a minute - republicans twist them all the time.
JimB
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
If the President wants to spend his own money on an expensive pie slice, it's his choice. BTW, the President pays for his own food, even at the whitehouse. Maybe Saginaw thru in a few of those Zing Zing candy bars made in A2.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 5:13 a.m.
President Obama eats Zingermans food!! Hah! Where's the proof? Who the food was ordered for is a "national secret" - period. Yet everyone's convinced "they know" and the crowd proceeds to offer endless opinions based on what they "know" (politically and gustatorily). Just asking: Politically, theosophically and gustatorily: Where has all this "knowing" gotten us??
Allencic
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.
Many years ago I was on jury duty in Ann Arbor and the entire jury walked over to Zingerman's for lunch. Late that evening we all got deathly ill with food poisoning from an unclean meat slicer. Some of the jurors were so sick that they had to be hospitalized and they nearly declared a mistrial. One of the juror's daughter's worked for the Washtenaw County Health Department and took the doggie bag remains of her Mother's corned beef sandwich in for analysis to confirm the bacterial contamination. Zingerman's never even said, "sorry." I wonder how safe Obama's pecan pie was?
Sallyxyz
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
Not surprised. Does the Washtenaw County Health Dept inspect the deli on a regular basis?
bedrog
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.
I wonder if all the Zingerman/ obama bashers ( and they seem to be the same people ) feel the same way about the excellent ( and also very pricey) pies from Achatz ( which all come boxed with bible verses, reflecting the faith of the maker). For my part, although I'm an agnostic, good pie trumps political or faith doctrine... and as SNL' s jack "deep thoughts' handy once said: "if you have a chance to go to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven because mmmmmm pie!"
a2j
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Good lord enough already. Every time Zingerman's is mentioned anywhere out come the negative comments. We all know what will be said; overpriced, over hyped, etc. We hear so much about them because they are a LOCAL nationally known product that have done amazing things over the years. Can we not just be happy that the Deli and ZCOB as a whole have been so successful for themselves and the Community as a whole.
Sallyxyz
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
Just because they are successful doesn't mean people cannot criticize them. They are not immune because Saginaw is rich.
Doug
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
I never have and never will patronize Zingermans. But, I do love your response!
Arboriginal
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
I guess he hasn't heard about Achatz yet!
Sallyxyz
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
Zingerman's is WAY WAY overpriced, as others have mentioned, and is definitely not worthy of the attention it gets from aa dot com. The Roadhouse is a sorry excuse for a restaurant with their track record with the health department. How many critical violations did the last inspection turn up?? Zingerman's suffers from an inflated sense of itself in this little midwestern college town, and aa dot com just keeps adding to that with stories about pecan pie for Obama's staff. I stopped going there a long time ago. NYC prices at an A2 deli? Get real.
HerrSnibbens
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 10:45 a.m.
Right, those James Beard award winners! They're nothing but a bunch of sorry excuses! Of course this poster obviously knows more than those judges! I mean if she says they are a "sorry excuse" who are nationally renowned culinary experts to argue!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.
Yes, that's why their business is thriving and expanding. It's why the Deli has received national acclaim on both coasts. It's why the folks from ESPN make a point of stopping there every time they're in town for an event. It's why the Roadhouse is packed every night. It's why the portion of Busch's that sell Zingerman's bread is routinely empty by late afternoon. LOLOLOL GN&GL
Ron Granger
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
I would like to volunteer my services to be a food taster for the President. I promise to be very thorough.
jns131
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
I'll help out on that one.
ozzer
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
@ mr54: and your reply has exactly *what?" to do with the point I made about spending on war abroad relative to spending on a speech meant to promote NATIONAL awareness of the student loan debt crisis?
ozzer
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
@bhall: Yes, you did. You missed the maddening ignorance of the right-wing nut jobs who blog here.
arborani
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 4:52 a.m.
@ Doug: I believe you have your missed up mixed up.
Doug
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
You have your left and right missed up.
bhall
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 5:29 p.m.
What I learned from reading the comments section of annarbor.com... The president is a socialist! Except he's an elitist because he eats a $25 bourgeoisie pecan pie! Which means Zingermann's is a failure! Did I miss anything?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
Just 'bout sums it up, bhall! GN&GL
justcurious
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
Good synopsis..
joe.blow
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
What a waste of a good pie.
Steve
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
Annarbor.com's breathless hype of Zingerman's is getting really old.
mr54
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
@ozzer: You needed NObama to come here and promote awareness regarding student debt? Just look around and talk to parents about student debt. That will promote awareness!!!!
ozzer
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
@ mr54: and your reply has exactly *what?" to do with the point I made about spending on war abroad?
ozzer
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
@mr54: do you know how much $$ has been spent daily by our government fighting "wars" in Afghanistan and Iraq? If you want to complain and moan about permission for spending our tax dollars, why not start there instead of with a drop-in-the-bucket trip to an American university to promote awareness about student loan debt.
ozzer
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
@Doug: oh, and I guess that's never been done by a sitting President. Get a life.
Doug
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
He's just campaigning on our dime!
mr54
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.
@a2chrisp: Ignorant? Ya!! Ok! What is ignorant is the sheeple of AA playing follow the leader while NObama is tearing down our great country and turning into a Socialist society. And yes, Going to Zingermans is ridiculous!!! He could have gone to Mickey Dees for take out just the like rest of this country does. And yes i am offended with him spending my tax dollars on this. Did he ask the citizens for the permission of spending our money??????? Everything is fine in AA this morning cause the Great!!!!! NObama was here!!!!!!!! HOOOOOOOORAY!!!!!
N. Todd
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
Everything you say is dead on mr54. I know this because Fox News told me so. These other clowns with their reason, logic, and original thoughts... fools!
ozzer
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
@mr54: do you know how much $$ has been spent daily by our government fighting "wars" in Afghanistan and Iraq? If you want to complain and moan about permission for spending our tax dollars, why not start there instead of with a drop-in-the-bucket trip to college university to promote awareness about student loan debt?
arborani
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
Gee, if he *had* asked me for permission to buy a sandwich and a piece of pie, I probably would have said, "Sure."
Tesla
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
Do you know how silly that sounds? Besides that. I am sure you and your teabag friends would complain if he used tax dollars for a big mac and fries. You guys crack me up. lol
Stevie Welles
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:05 p.m.
Look. Zingerman's Deli is damn good. There can be no doubt about this. The Roadhouse is mediocre to terrible depending on the dish (I'm looking at you burnt, charcoalesque ribs). What you get at Zingerman's is an experience (an experience I don't happen to care for), and you get good marketing, and again, damn quality delicious food. But you're paying for all the other stuff, too. If I want a delicious deli sandwich without taking out a home equity line of credit, I go to Maize and Blue Deli.
Sallyxyz
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
Nice. I like the line about a home equity line of credit. Perfect. There are plenty of good places around town for deli food. Z's marketing is WAY too expensive for most regular folks, all hype. $6-$7 for a loaf of bread? I don't think so. Even food reviewers who have visited Zingerman's and written about it, mention that the prices are too high. The last sandwich I bought there 5 years ago was mostly bread and little filling, and $15.00, total rip off.
Diagenes
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Since the President is a member of the "1%" club he can afford Zingerman's delivered to his publically financed personal jet. Did he or someone else actually eat and pay for the food? Do to security reasons I guess it was for press or staff. I wonder what kind of criticism President Bush would receive if he dispatched Secret Service people to observe the preparation of food from somewhere like Knights Steakhouse, (instead of the hip and liberal Zingerman's) to be delivered to Air Force One at tax payer expense?
justcurious
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
Many in Ann Arbor are members of the top 1% as well..... As of 2009.... To make the top 1 percent, a household must have AGI of $343,927 or more Read more: Top 1 Percent: How Much Do They Earn? | Bankrate.com <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/top-1-percent-earn.aspx#ixzz1kmMqVPsk" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/top-1-percent-earn.aspx#ixzz1kmMqVPsk</a>
Sparty
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
Are you aware of who paid? Facts? Then you are spouting claims of clearly partisan criticism.
a2chrisp
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
Its annoying to me that so many posters think that their opinion is hip and against the grain because they are critical of a popular product or a common practice. In this case, it is particularly annoying because they find it enjoyable to tear down one of the most prominent faces of our community and a local business that is celebrated nationally. Zingerman's is an incredible asset to our community. Moreover, people who are critical of Obama getting a sandwich on our tax dollars are being so ignorant. He is the President for crying out loud, you want him to eat fast food? These guys take vacations for months of the year at top destinations in this country, both republican and democrat. Where Obama eats a sandwich is small potatoes. Finally, the Zingerman's is overrated bit is tired anyway. I've been to some of the best restaurants in the country, and I would put Zingerman's pecan pie and its corned beef up against anything I have ever eaten. And if you don't like the price, maybe you should become socialists. The market sets the price, and the market has deemed that a sandwich costs $17. Just be glad you don't live in NY where everything costs $17.
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 : 9:04 a.m.
AA is a college town with professors and other highly paid professionals in and outside the university, and in the midst of the university shadow are many very wealthy people who prefer that you never know they exist here. Sounds like their secret will be safe going forward from many of the comments here. Many of the UM kids have PLENTY of money too, make no mistake.
jns131
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Bill Clinton did not eat at Zings. He ate at that coney island in Ypsilanti on Michigan Ave. They still serve half the price of what Zings charges and the food is mom and pop shop homemade. We try to frequent them once a month for a gyro and fries. Yum!
justcurious
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
"you want him to eat fast food?" Hey, it was good enough for Bill Clinton, wasn't it?
bhall
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.
So Zingerman's is in a college town; college students can't afford $17 sandwiches; yet Zingerman's is selling them as fast as they can make them. So I guess Zingerman's knows something about the market that people commenting here do not. Otherwise, you've all missed your calling as a deli owner.
jrigglem
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
The market doesn't call for a $17 dollar sandwich. The meat being imported from Italy, France, Spain does. How many of their items are American made? According to Mail Order, not many. I had a Zingerman's sandwich once, never went back. They're in a college town, I don't know how many college students can afford a $17 sandwich. That's who their market is, college students.
Stevie Welles
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Comparing Ann Arbor to New York is absurd. I've actually found on my many visits to New York that the price to quality ratio is far superior there. Not everything is $17 there. Not even close. Zingerman's is like Katz' Deli. Delicious, no doubt. But far more expensive than comparables. You're paying for the marketing and history.
Brad
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
As long as people like you are in AA Zingerman's will thrive. Zingerman's *can't* be overrated since you eat there, right?
mr54
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
Spend Spend Spend Away!!!! Mr. President!!!! Afterall you could care less because you know darn well in less than 1 year you'll be hitting the lecture circuit just like slick Wille did when he left office.
Brad
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
I'm thinking that in a year you'll get to see Bill Clinton as part of the Obama administration. The Big Dog returns!
Sparty
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
And made millions more as one of the most respected men around. A terrible fate could await, shudders abound.
mr54
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
The dumbing down of America and the State of Michigan continues as we see that it is so cooooooooool that NObama came to AA!!!
bedrog
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
how in hell can you attribute "dumbing down" to Obama and those who like him when the opposite team fields such luminaries as they've done in the current presidential race: ( rick 'oops' perry ; barking nuts bachmann; herman "where's libya' cain; ron "aint got no stinkin foreign policy' paul; rabid newt; flipflop romney and 'bring back the inquisition 'santorum".... what a pack of fools.
mr54
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2 p.m.
A liberal President sucking up our tax dollars in a Liberal city for a liberal university wasting money on a senseless trip paid by the American tax dollars. Way to go!!!!
Sparty
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
Doug, do you know that Bush's two unjustified Wars cost $5 trillion dollars: 1/3 of the entire US National Debt. Did you know that doesn't include Bush's most expensive addition to entitlement spending in over 50 years, Medicare Part D which was entirely unfunded? Or how about his tripling of aid to Africa which was also unpaid for? All in all, although the Bush War expenses were off the books during his administration and are now "on the books" during Obama's, you can see where the money trail leads and it sure isn't from Obama.
Doug
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
David, You need to keep up with the news. Do you have any idea how much O'bamam has increased to national debt? Of coarse the freeloaders don't care : they just suck up the free money. I hope you're not one of them.
David Wizard
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
Riiight... Republicans suddenly don't take trips or spend tax dollars? Nice try. Actually, not even that. Terrible try.
mkm17
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 11:33 a.m.
Zingerman's is very, very good and they use top quality ingredients. But they are not great, let alone the greatest. Regular people cannot afford their high prices, and that is why I no longer support them by being their customers. Furthermore, their record with the Health Department (especially the Roadhouse) leaves much to be desired. Kudos to Pastry Peddler for winning Best Bakery, an award that probably could have gone to Zingerman's Bakehouse if ZB were accessible to everyone. My apologies for the negative comments about Zingerman's. I had been a long time customer and supporter, as well as a student at the Bakehouse's baking classes. But the hype exceeds the reality.
jns131
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
Only the wealthy can afford what Zings charges. No apologies here. Just kudos to your post.
JustMyOpinion
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 5:21 p.m.
I still like their sandwiches, but cannot afford to go with my family, just too much money. On a separate note, the single worst meal I have ever had - bar none - was at The Roadhouse. Truly disgusting p never been back. I think Zingerman's needs to get a little more realistic on their prices.
Doug
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
Are you the world's apologist?
getmoney
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
Well said mkm.
David Wizard
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
The market decides when the hype exceeds the reality. The reality is that they keep making money and will continue to make money because many people love their products. Thank you for informing us that you are not one of them, but please don't mistake your very subjective opinion for anything other than what it is.
townie54
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
the food is good but the pricing is so over the top.But they know what town they are in and what they can get away with.They do great market research and and with the hype the monied folks are led like sheep to the slaughter
Jim Nazium
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 10:43 a.m.
I am so sick of hearing about Zingerman's. Over priced, not worthy of all the attention, especially on football saturday home games, I think they get Waaay too many plugs.
jns131
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
I could not agree more. I can get a bag of groceries for what Zings charges. Won't find me there either. Too over priced for my liking.
Ron Granger
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
You seem to know a lot about this, so please tell me where I can get a comparable, let alone superior, Reuben sandwich? I've been making them myself for decades. I've even made my own pastrami, curing it for weeks, etc. Most places don't even have decent bread, let alone great bread. And if you don't have great bread, it's over. Great bread is veryyy difficult. You cannot make a great sandwich without great bread.
getmoney
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:52 p.m.
It is nationally renowed. They are fantastic marketers. I have clients come here from New England begging to go to Zingermans. They all have left disappointed.
N. Todd
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
@Jim - Sounds like you fell off the Z-Man's bandwagon. Perhaps their 'stellar' December health inspection could change your mind? <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/restaurant-inspections-in-washtenaw-county-for-december-2011/">http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/restaurant-inspections-in-washtenaw-county-for-december-2011/</a> Oops. That didn't work. Never mind. I agree with you.
David Wizard
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
Sounds like it's time for you to start your own nationally renowned chain of businesses. By all means, let us know when you do.
Joe_Citizen
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:31 a.m.
Ha! well well welll, now Zinder. will raise the price again to $25.00 for a sandwich.
jns131
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.
At least the coney island in Ypsi didn't raise their prices after Clinton stopped in. They still have reasonable priced Gyros and other fine delights.
Les Gov
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.
Glad someone enjoyed my tax dollars!! On the plus side my tax dollars went to a local business. That is more than I can say about the Art Commission and how they spend my tax dollars. Funny how Obama does more to stimulate the local economy than our own local government.
jns131
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
I can totally relate to your post. Tax dollar Pecan Pie. Don't expect a slice from that any time soon.
getmoney
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
Doubt he paid. Zingermans probably gave to him so they could write this story for a2.com.
Sparty
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:49 a.m.
And how do you know the President didn't pay with his own funds or that the person who ordered didnt pay for it with their personal funds? Assuming it was paid for with your tax dollars is a claim, can you prove it with facts?
bunnyabbot
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
you can get a Zingermans pie cheaper at Plum Market than at the Deli or the Bakehouse. Everyday they are less expensive. I know, I was shocked too. The same pie. That tells me the Deli is a rip off.
djacks24
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
This administration on a budget? Not likely.
David Wizard
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
The Bakehouse sells wholesale to everyone, including the Deli. Each business is allowed to set their own retail prices, so they will naturally vary.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:25 a.m.
they taste the same, I think they were $18 to Zings $25
Maxwell
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 3:20 a.m.
I'm guessing it is a day fresher? How much is it at Plum Market? I'm lost at $15 bucks even for a good rendition of pecan - pies are easy...
Patti Banks
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.
Will Zingerman's rename their famed pecan pie? Barack-A-Pie Baby!
Tesla
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:29 a.m.
Was probably Eugene Kangs idea. He's a special assistant to President Obama and U of M grad.
USRepublic
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 2:19 a.m.
Making a pecan pie is the perfect metaphor for the creation of an Obama economy. I'll leave it up to others to speculate as to who are the pecans in the goop....
Harm
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
Hey, if I was President, I'd be getting a Zingerman's sandwich and brownie every day! The Air Force would be sending a jet to Willow Run every day, LoL. rhip....
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
That will be 50 bucks please
Frustrated in A2
Sat, Jan 28, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Lol!!!