During her short visit to San Francisco on Tuesday, June 14, First Lady Michelle Obama held two fundraisers in support of the Democratic Party and her husband’s reelection campaign. Two of the Bay Area’s finest chefs had the honor of serving the First Lady, who began with brunch at the Claremont Hotel event prepared by the renowned Alice Waters. For lunch, Chef Gustavo Romero Veytia of Credo Restaurant had the opportunity to exhibit his skills at an event held at the historic Julia Morgan Ballroom, hosted by ballroom owners Clint and Janet Reilly.

Image via Vasha Wilson for Moanalani Jeffrey

With the intent to impress, Chef Gustavo created a customized Italian-inspired menu for the First Lady that also showcased his signature Mexican flair. Dishes included Carpaccio di Bisonte with a golden beet and arugula salad and horseradish root purée, as well as Rollato di Pollo with roasted peppers, scamorza and mashed potatoes. To Mrs. Obama’s surprise, Chef Gustavo even prepared a special order of her favorite food, tamales, from his treasured family recipe.

A rising star of kitchen cuisine, Chef Gustavo’s formative years of training in three countries and now the experience of cooking for the First Lady has certainly earned him bragging rights.

To check out Chef Gustavo’s Bay Area restaurant Credo, go to http://www.credosf.com/home.