Last night, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama had dinner with daughter Malia and two other guests at La Fontaine de Mars in Paris. The moderately priced bistro specializes in rustic dishes from France's southwest region of Bordeaux Perigord and the Basque. Foie gras, duck and cassoulet are on the menu. Restaurant staff told the media that the President chose roast lamb for dinner, while everyone else in the party had beef fillets. (Above: A crowd waits to see the First Family outside the restaurant)Waiter Gabriel de Carvalho, who waited on the presidential party, told the UK's Independent, as well as the Associated Foreign Press, and everyone else in town:
"They [The Obamas] were very pleased. They said that they had had a 'wonderful meal'. The President was very friendly. He had gigot d'agneau and an île flottante. No wine, just water. The others had fillet of beef and crème brûlée."
The Deep Throat waiter also went on Itele news channel and repeated his menu story, adding that just to be safe, the Secret Service had a taster in the kitchen to test the Obama food before it was served.
"They have someone who tastes the dishes," said de Carvalho. "It wasn't very pleasant for the cooks at first, but the person was very nice and was relaxed, so it all went well."
Managers at the restaurant confirmed the report for the Associated Foreign Press news service.
The smallish restaurant has country-style decor, complete with red and white checkered tablecloths and dark wood furniture. Established in 1908, the restaurant prides itself on a "family atmosphere," according to the AFP. Roads were blocked into the tiny neighborhood leading to 129 rue Saint Dominique, but of course mobs of people turned out to try to catch a glimpse of the President and First Lady. And of course, French and American security officers patrolled the streets outside, and snipers were hidden on the rooftops.
The President and First Lady declined dinner with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, which is still being discussed in the international press.
*Download the La Fontaine de Mars menu (PDF) here.
*Crowd photo by AP.
