Obamas dine at favourite Italian restaurant after prez poll victory

Chicago, Nov.10 : US President -elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle had their first "date" since his victory on Saturday at their favorite eatery, Spiaggia located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

The beaming Obamas enjoyed dinner in the pricey, four-star restaurant's main room, surrounded by gaping customers - and a large Secret Service contingent.

The New York Post quoted Spiaggia dining-room manager Ian Louisignau, as saying "We don't give out that information", when asked what the future First Couple ate.

But he did say the Obamas, who opted not to be seated in one of the restaurant's private dining rooms, had "a good time" celebrating the Illinois senator's victory.

"They always have a good time, and they keep coming back," Louisignau said.

In fact, the next president and Michelle like Spiaggia - whose name means "beach" in Italian - and its striking view of Lake Michigan so much, they dine there every Valentine's Day.

Last Valentine's, they ordered the eight-course tasting menu, which set a couple back as much as 700 dollars when it includes wine pairings.

Spiaggia, ranked among the nation's best Italian restaurants, is known for dishes such as seared scallops and wood-roasted guinea hen. Its celebrity clientele has included Princess Diana, Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Paul Newman, Paul McCartney and Billy Joel, who wrote and sang "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant."

The Levy Organization, whose president, Lawrence Levy, donated 2,300 dollars last year to Obama's presidential campaign, owns the restaurant.

Today, Obama will visit President Bush to discuss the transition of power. Michelle will get a grand tour of the White House from First Lady Laura Bush.

ANI