The Closest Thing to Being in the White House: Presidential Movies and Steakhouses for this President’s Day - Part 1

Between all the Republican and Democrat debates, things are starting to heat up this election season. Why not take a break this President’s weekend, and enjoy some bureaucratic-themed films full of scandal, suspense and political savviness?

The American President

Cast: Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, Richard Dreyfuss

The American President tells the story of the many challenges posed when a widowed man, played by Michael Douglas, falls in love with a charming and feisty woman played by Annette Bening. The catch? The man happens to be the President of the United States. This unconventional charmer has it all - heartwarming performances by the entire cast spewing a sharp, clever script written by the talented Aaron Sorkin. This movie also marks the pre-West Wing collaboration of Sorkin with Martin Sheen who plays Douglas' right hand man in the film.

The Butler

Cast: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack

Political films are usually stories surrounded by scandal or great accomplishment. Lee Daniels’ The Butler tells a different story of life in the White House. Born into slavery, Cecil was a simple man that wanted to escape that life and make an honest living. His work ethic and skills earned him a position at the White House, where he served for 8 presidents. Trained to always be respectful, he struggles with feeling a sense of loyalty to those he serves and standing up for his own beliefs.

Frost/Nixon

Cast: Frank Langelia, Michael Sheen, Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon

Three years after Watergate and Richard Nixon was excused from office, he decided to break his silence and give a TV interview. Thinking he could outwit the novice reporter and win his way back into the hearts of Americans, Nixon picked British host David Frost to go head to head with. What he wasn’t anticipating was a hard-hitting interview on his scandalous reign as Commander-in-Chief.

Primary Colors

Cast: John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates, Adrian Lester

A satirical characterization of the Clinton scandal, Primary Colors follows the presidential campaign of Governor Jack Stanton as seen through the eyes of a young campaign worker, Henry Burton. A smooth-talking man of prestige, Stanton is a candidate many can strongly support. That is until a sex scandal comes to light and our charming candidate can no longer maintain his wholesome image.

JFK

Cast: Kevin Costner, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman

JFK isn't, in fact, centered on the American President's presidency, but on his assassination that shook our nation to its core. With many questioning whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, the focus here is on New Orleans' District Attorney Jim Garrison's follow-up investigation into the assassination. Despite accusations of numerous factual inaccuracies, writer and director Oliver Stone was commended for his epic film that shed a light on the many men that may have played a hand in one of our country's most infamous moments in history.

Other presidential movies of note are Lincoln, starring Daniel Day Lewis -- who won an Oscar for this role - and tells the story of Lincoln’s struggle, both within and outside the White House, as he makes his decision to free the slaves; and W., starring Josh Brolin as we follow the life of George W. Bush.

Many associate golf with being presidential, but it also feels like our elected officials are always enjoying the quintessential American cuisine at one of our nation’s top steakhouses. Click on the link and see where you can find some of the best steaks in NYC. Steakhouses for President's Day