美國名廚艾麗絲?沃特斯表示希望奧巴馬入主白宮之后能夠促進美國國內健康飲食觀念以及對本地食品作物的支持。現年64歲的沃特斯一直主張食用味道可口、未經精加工、品質新鮮和種植方式不破壞環境的食品。奧巴馬就職典禮前夜，沃特斯和其他幾位美國名廚將會在一個名為“美國餐桌新起點”的活動中親自下廚為華盛頓湯廚房和農產品市場籌款。

Alice Waters, one of America's most famous chefs, expects the new administration in the White House to promote healthy eating and renew efforts to support locally grown foods.

Alice Waters, one of America's most famous chefs, expects the new administration in the White House to promote healthy eating and renew efforts to support locally grown foods.

The 64-year-old chef said she has been heartened by signs from Michelle Obama, who has relayed her husband's concerns about childhood obesity and sustainable farming.

"I've spoken to him through his wife. I'm encouraged," said Waters, who founded the renowned Chez Panisse restaurant in California which resulted from her passion for fresh, local ingredients.

Although Barack and Michelle Obama announced that they have decided to stick with the current White House chef, Cristeta Comerford, Waters has been a vocal supporter for a garden to grow organic fruits and vegetables at the White House.

She said it makes sense to improve the quality of food served in schools and to support local farmers.

"We have the moral responsibility to see what's good for our children," Waters said, adding that if local farmers become key sources of ingredients to make school lunches it will stimulate local economies.

On the eve of Obama's inauguration as the 44th president of the United States, Waters and other celebrity chefs including Dan Barber and Rick Bayless will cook dinners to raise money for Washington's soup kitchens and farmers markets in an event billed as "a new beginning for the American table."

"This is the table we want to sit at," Waters said. "It's a delicious way to speak about food and nature."

The event features family dinners for 20 to 30 guests, who paid $500 each, in the homes of Washington luminaries such as chef Jose Andres and journalist Bob Woodward.

Waters will oversee a meal for about 170 people at the Phillips Collection Museum. The meal, which will showcase locally grown shellfish, cheeses, meats and produce, will put the spotlight on "sustainability through pleasure."

(Agencies)

（英語點津 Helen 編輯）