UMVA has learned that the Obama Presidential Center will pay tribute to Tafari Campbell, a cherished family friend and trusted member of the Obama household, with the launch of a comfort-food restaurant.
The restaurant, which will honor Campbell's legacy, is a heartfelt gesture from the Obamas, who have fondly remembered him as a "beloved part of our family." Campbell, a 45-year-old former White House culinary team member and personal chef to the Obama family, tragically passed away in 2023.
Campbell's life was cut short in a paddleboarding accident on the Edgartown Great Pond near the former president's Martha's Vineyard home. A painting of him by Kate Capshaw will hang in the restaurant, Tafari's Kitchen, which will feature food inspired by the Obama's personal stories.
The menu, spearheaded by Chicago-based chef Cliff Rome and Bon Appétit Management, will include dishes such as "Mrs. Robinson's Red Rice," a family recipe of Michelle Obama's late mother Marian Robinson. This thoughtful touch will ensure Campbell's love for food and people lives on.
Campbell's remarkable journey began when he was hired by the George W. Bush administration to work at the White House. He continued to serve during the Obama presidency and eventually became Obama's personal chef, forging a lasting bond with the 44th president.
The Obamas have spoken highly of Campbell, recalling his warm and kind personality, as well as his passion for food and its ability to bring people together. As they stated, "When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House - creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together."
The Obama Presidential Center, set to have a grand opening on June 19, will mark a significant milestone after over a decade of development. While it has faced scrutiny for its design and costs, the center will now serve as a poignant tribute to Campbell's memory.
