"Food and the American Story" panel featuring esteemed chefs held at Obama Presidential Center

Acclaimed chefs got together tonight at the Obama Presidential Center to discuss how food connects history, place, and belonging.

"Food and the American Story" featured a panel of chefs who shared their journey with food through culture, migration and identity.

One panelist and local Chicago-based chef, Cliff Rome, shared some of his personal goals at every restaurant.

"At its core, everyone likes good food, right? And the goal is to be able to have great food all the time," he said. "A lot of times we're chasing perfection, right? But what we really should be chasing is consistency, and that's the difficult part, because everyone strives to make sure they put out the best dish possible, because not only do you want the customers to come back, you want them to have an incredible experience."

After the talk, tasting stations opened in the presidential center atrium featuring foods made by chefs from across the city.