The twenty-second and twenty-fourth president served two nonconsecutive terms.
Family or White House tradition
A letter reported in later culinary history has Cleveland wishing for pickled herring, Swiss cheese and a chop. We choose pork for the unspecified chop and add rye bread and mustard to complete the plate.
The president & the table
A letter attributed to Cleveland in presidential culinary histories sets a very specific alternative to formal French dining: pickled herring, Swiss cheese and a chop at Louis’. The remembered preference is for a plain, satisfying combination rather than another procession of rich courses.
Behind this story
Margaret Brown Klapthor, The First Ladies Cook Book, revised edition (1982), Cleveland chapter. The letter is reported through the later culinary history.
APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.
Make it at home.
Our home adaptation · Serves 2 · Not yet kitchen-tested
What you’ll need
Let’s make it
Pat pork dry and season lightly. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chops for 3–4 minutes per side, then reduce the heat and add butter. Cook until the centre reaches 63°C / 145°F; thickness determines the time.
Rest the chops for at least 3 minutes.
Serve each chop with separate portions of ready-to-eat pickled herring, Swiss cheese, rye bread and mustard. Keep herring chilled until serving.
About this home version
A modern home recipe with practical ingredients and measured quantities.
Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.
