Obama's dine outs may spark competition among restaurants

Washington, January 18 (ANI): President-elect Barack Obama may spark competition among Washington restaurants after generating tremendous publicity for his dining outlets.

The first African-American to be the president of the United States had dined at two restaurants within one week and had also sent the sales soaring by visiting small vendors and gift shops in the capital.

The 47-year-old was recently received with cheers and applause at the landmark Ben's Chili Bowl as he had lunch with District Mayor Adrian Fenty.

Similarly, Obama, along with 12 others, were greeted with a great reception to at Equinox where he celebrated his wife's 45th birthday.

And now, Amanda McClements, a food writer and author of the blog metrocueran.com, said that other restaurants may be sweating it out to have the honour of serving their soon-to-be president.

"I think there's certainly going to be invitations handed out to the president and the first lady. Especially restaurants right by the White House," Fox News quoted her as saying.

"We hope with Obama hitting these places, there will be renewed interest" in the DC dining scene," she added. (ANI)