What do Bill Clinton, George W. Bush have in common?

Turns out Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have something in common.

A fondness for beef.

Former White House executive chef Walter Scheib said that, unlike their wives, who tend toward health food, Presidents Clinton and Bush would have been happy if "we opened a rib joint in the White House basement." He added that any meat covered in cheese made them happy.

In a talk in the Berkshire Dining Commons at the University of Massachusetts, reported by the Republican in Amherst, Mass., Scheib, who served both presidents, said that when it comes to cooking and food, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Laura Bush are "both adventurous, both like full flavors."

Laura Bush is all about organic. Hillary Rodham Clinton wants to know all the ingredients. And Chelsea Clinton? She  became vegan while in the White House so the first lady asked the staff to teach her the basics.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo: Mark Booster/Los Angeles Times