Senator Snowe gives mustard-loving President Obama a “taste of Maine”
EASTPORT, MAINE – The leader of the free world likes a good mustard. So, in the wake of recent well-publicized burger runs by President Barack Obama, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) has given the President a gift pack of Maine-made Raye’s Mustard.
President Obama made headlines during a visit to Ray’s Hell-Burger, a popular eatery in Arlington, Virginia, where he famously made it clear that he likes mustard on his burgers. Upon learning of the President’s preference for the spicy condiment, Snowe sent him a variety of Raye’s Mustards – made at the Raye family’s historic stone mill in Eastport.
“In a note to the President, Snowe said that since he enjoys Ray’s burgers, she “thought it was only fitting” to forward him an assortment of Raye’s Mustard. She told the President that the Maine-made mustard is “a fantastic product” and expressed her hope “that you, the First Lady, and Malia and Sasha enjoy the mustard – and that you might consider making it a staple around the White House!”
Snowe told the President that Raye’s Mustard is “a small business in Downeast Maine and the last remaining authentic stone ground mustard mill in North America”. She also noted that it is owned and operated by her former Chief of Staff and current Maine Senate Minority Leader Kevin Raye and his wife Karen. They are the fourth generation of the Raye family to own and operate the mill, originally established in 1900 to supply Maine’s once-thriving sardine industry.
“We are thrilled to know that there is Raye’s Mustard at the White House,” said Karen and Kevin Raye. “As an avowed mustard lover, we hope the President will enjoy our authentic stone-ground mustards. It’s great to know that he and his family will be able to enjoy a taste of Maine!”
Earlier this year, Raye’s “Down East Schooner” Mustard earned its third gold medal in the past four years in the Classic American Yellow Mustard category at the World-Wide Mustard Competition in Napa Valley, California. Raye’s “Winter Garden” Mustard, noted for its dill, garlic and celery accents, won the bronze medal in the Herb Mustard category. Both were among the varieties of Raye’s Mustard included in the gift pack President Obama received from Snowe.
A working museum, Raye’s Mustard Mill uses a cold-grind mustard-making process developed in Europe during the Middle Ages. The Eastport mill is a popular tourist destination, featuring a retail outlet, gift shop and free tours. For more information, visit www.rayesmustard.com or call 1-800-853-1903.
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