The President's Lunch in Indiana

This thread will not accept 'political discussion' attached to this topic.

Today President Bush visited New Albany Indiana to make a speech and shake a few hands. 40 minutes before the President was scheduled to enjoy a lunch at an un-named New Albany Restaurant the manager of the that Restaurant (Sam's on Charlestown Rd.) was contacted by phone from Air Force 1 to tell him that the President and his party of a dozen or more would be there and hungry in 40 minutes. This was the only warning the manager received of the upcoming event. He obviously confirmed the validity of the message by calling the party back...and then set to work. Various Security units arrived within 15 minutes of the call and went thru the restaurant front to back. It is a busy place at lunch so customers (un-informed of what was coming up)came and went.

The manager was interviewed on local TV tonight. He was still in 'shock' from the whole thing. he commented that he hadn't worn a 'good outfit' to work and that the Laundry service hadn't delivered fresh aprons etc so they were a bit on the 'worn-out' appearances. Apparently that didn't affect the Visiting VIPs. I didn't see what they had for lunch, but SAM'S is pretty well known for it's standard "American Home-Cooking" sort of menu. He and some of his party made the rounds talking to the other customers and doing the usual Grip and Grin Photos. A couple of Congressmen, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Golf Pro Fuzzy Zoeller (a Local Resident) were also in the party.

I have watched this part of the story on a couple of the local channels...but no one seems to include the selected menu or how big a tip he left???

As a manager/Owner of this sort of business...How would you have reacted to a 40 minute notice VIP lunch visit???

I would have flipped double time. To have that short notice with some of the most notables in the USA???? I do not know how they handled it.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I received this a few days ago from the Whale and Ale in San Pedro, CA----a small place I have eaten and shared libations at many times.

Dear Patron,

1) By the time you read this email, we (owner/management/staff) at the Whale & Ale will have had the inestimable honor of entertaining former President Jimmy Carter, and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter for dinner here on Monday, October 29.

I look upon this visit as a gigantic compliment to us all, to our twelve years of hard work, and to San Pedro and its many fine restaurants.
I need hardly add that the FPofUS and FFLofUS could have chose a gazillion places to dine; - that they chose to come to our humble Pub fills me and my team with much pride.

So to add to the Mayor's comment----I wonder how much notice they were given. Also, I wonder how it must be to receive that call-----and then have only a little time to serve what may be the most prestigious meal of your career?

President Clinton stopped at Peter's Grill in Minneapolis with an impromptu visit like that in 1993. He signed the menu and that has been reproduced by Peter's Grill on every menu since. Also the meal he had is now a special you can order. One little visit can create a lot of lore, publicity and PR. I hope Sam's can take advantage of that. I also hope President Bush doesn't sign it, Good job and great lunch, Joe. . .George W. Bush.

Al, that's a great story. They must have been so excited and proud to have had the president there. Thanks for posting it.

When a VIP (President) comes to town, I don't know if I'm more impressed with their security or the VIP itself.. The security behind these visits are beyond awesome when you see it first hand!

One roof of many they have Snipers on the lookout:
[img]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/354167787_9d12d1c942.jpg?v=0[/img]

One of many Secret Service bomb sniffing dogs:
[img]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/354167782_60bc60940a.jpg?v=0[/img]

And the Secret Service guy that made me nervous for just being there:
[img]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/354171819_faad82c816.jpg?v=0[/img]

I served an advance staff of President Ronald Reagan once 3 days before he was in town, (all the secret service guys). I was working on the square in downtown Springfield. Then when he came to speak of the 6 or 8 vendors that worked the square every day I was the only vendor allowed to be on the square. I sold a ton of rib eye steak sandwiches that day and made a killing but I didn’t get to serve him or even meet him. I’m a hard core conservative but would still consider it a great honor to serve my food to any President of the United States, no matter what his party or political philosophy.

Now to answer your question I’d bust my butt and try with all my heart to give them my very best food and service and then I’d buy the lunch no matter what the cost. If they insisted on paying I’d ask for an autograph on the bill and frame it and hang it on the wall.
Jack

Thanks Jack,

I am not in the business...but I think (I hope) I would do the same.
AL

Food Service Cap (which I was happy to add to my collection):

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2010126026_4cafe03759.jpg?v=0[/img]

I would have thought it a practical joke until the Secret Service Walked in. Still, I would have
been thinking Candid Camera or something. I have had face to face meetings with 2 vice
Presidents, 1984 VP Bush and 1994 VP Gore. Bush in Long Beach California and Gore in
Chicago. Actually worked with the Secret Service for Gore's Meeting and found out that they
don't have a real good sense of Humor. Until the meetings over and the VP leaves. Then you get
to see the fun side of them.

Mi Nidito in South Tucson, Arizona highlights the booth where President Clinton ate, tells you what he ordered amd sells postcards and pictures of the event. I would feel great pride and honor if any president came to my business and would work hard to make the experience a good one.

While not a US president I entertained Mr. Mitterand of France when he was president. I was working for a very prominent French family. They had a chateau in Burgundy when the call came that Mitterand was going to "come by". Yeah, right. With 12 bodyguards in tow, his wife and sister-in-law. It happened to be a Monday holiday and only me and Mr. Riboud at the chateau so we were going to have left-overs. As I had no choice, I served the President of France left-overs! Of course they weren't too shabby...leg of lamb, Charollais beef, sausages, roast duck. Naturally there was cheese and fresh bread and I had some kind of charlotte for dessert which was technically enough for two or three but I think I cut it into 13 (leaving out me and Mr. Riboud). He was a very nice man and seemed happy to be eating an informal meal in a private residence instead of some state dinner. Me being only 20-something was going to hang out in the kitchen but Mrs. Riboud was out of the country and I was designated to be the hostess and join in the dining with the Mitterands. I was too young to be nervous so I sat down with the dignitaries and ate.

Lleechef, that must have been a wonderful experience. I think you did very good with what you had. Knowing your experience, I am sure it was exceptional.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

That's a great story lleechef.

My only experience with the Secret Service was this past June; I was being shown around the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, evaluating it for a possible conference site and there were the omnipresent Mostly Guys in Dark Suits with Earbuds and those Lapel Pins. It turned out the Supremes were there. And I don't mean Diana, Mary and Flo. They don't have real terrific senses of humor, but I'm glad they're good at their jobs.

I remember reading that in the past (up until JFK at least and probably beyond) a place where the president was going to eat would be informed well in advance. The Secret Service would also go in advance (and early on the "day of") to check things out. This approach seems to make much more sense: If no one knows he's coming, that would seem to mitigate security issues down to about zero.

I seem to remember Bush loves BBQ and has thrown several BBQs at the White House. Maybe the BBQ folks can put out a sign for a presidential visit. "FREE BBQ to any visiting US President and their Secret Service." Just might have a traveling President drop by. RJF

In 1992-3, Former President Ford made a visit to the OG where I was managing.

No previous warning, in walks the SS, informs us that in 20 minutes Former President Ford would be dining there with his party.

They gave us a list of things they required.

The when the party arrived thy were seated in the dining area, when the orders came back we had to have 1 set of cooks do nothing but that party while the SS watched.

After the meal Former President Ford insisted he meet his cooks for the meal (Stained aprons and all)

He greeted and thanked us, he went on his way and we went back to being slammed.

As for the bill and tip, don't know what % the tip was, but it all was paid by credit card by one of his assistants.

From W's visit in '02:
http://archive.mailtribune.com/archive/2002/0822/local/stories/01local.htm
...Simple food with an Oregon flair will distinguish the Jacksonville Inn’s menu for President Bush and an entourage of about 80 expected for breakfast and lunch today, said executive chef Wendy Little.

The presidential palate will be tempted with stuffed hazelnut chicken with pear sauce, a cold poached Oregon salmon platter and a lemon mousse with marionberry sauce, among other dishes.

"It’s exciting," said Little. "I just put my head down and go."

Owner Jerry Evans wasn’t quite sure how his restaurant was chosen to cater two presidential meals at the Compton Arena at the Jackson County Exposition Park in Central Point.

"We did feed his father," Evans mused. "And Newt Gingrich was in three weeks ago. Maybe we have a reputation that goes beyond the Rogue Valley, and people just don’t realize that.

I have crossed paths with SS (in service to Clinton, Bush, Bush, Dali Lama, other heads of state) many times in my travels -- never a pleasant experience.

Except one time in Nashville, where I ran into a bunch of them killing time while Gore (then VP) was in town ... either lower pressure, or because these guys were all really experienced, they were very pleasant.

I think as an SS agent, you strive career-wise to reach the White House, or to protect other heads of state, meaning the older, more experienced ones, wind up with less pressure.

I'm just guessing.

Al Gore came to stump in Madison WI a few years ago, and the SS closed my whole block. We could be open, but no one was allowed in the streets or on the sidewalk, including me and my staff. Our only customer was a SS agent who wanted a bottle of water. I told him to....(well this is a family friendly site)..no thanks. My hot dog stand had 12 employees to pay for, and that's why Im in business; to make money. Gore lost my vote.

quote:

Originally posted by workboy7

Gore lost my vote.

I assume the candidate you voted for was never protected by the secret service while campaigning? Who would that be?

I contacted the "Whale and Ale" regarding the menu for President Carter and they kindly sent it to me.

Mr. Carter - Roast Prime Rib of Beef au jus, medium rare with
Yorkshire pudding, mashed russet potatoes and haricots verts.
Mrs. Carter - Pan roasted filet of Scottish Salmon, - mashed russet
potatoes and haricots verts.

Pretty well in left stage here, but what is haricots verts?

Haricots verts are very thin green beans.

Lisa,
Are they what we see on many menu's or packages labeled "French-Cut" Green Beans?

French Cut I'm familiar with Al... But with todays 'trend setting' wording, it never hurts to ask!

haricot vert
[ah-ree-koh VEHR]
The French term for "green string bean," haricot meaning "bean" and vert translating as "green."

But are they a special "breed or sub-specie"...or is the descriptive title from the way they are cut??

Haricots verts are not "French Cut green beans". French cut beans are just regular beans cut on the bias. Haricots verts are usually bought fresh and are pretty pricey. They are VERY VERY thin and usually come lined up in boxes from Belgium or France. They are very tender and very delicious.

Thank You for clearing that up