Monday
Oct. 6
Asheville, NC
The Smokehouse
Every candidate must eat so Sen. Barack Obama decides he needs interrupt his debate preparation and the largest single day point drop in Dow Jones history to go to 12 Bones Smokehouse in the River Arts District of Asheville. First, tieless but with jacket, he makes a statement in the parking lot of The Grove Park Inn, the luxury resort he (but not the media) is staying at, about the economy. Obama starts by saying, "Hope you’re enjoying this beautiful weather. Before we go get barbeque I just wanted to make a brief statement about the economy…” Lots of words about the economy, then off to barbeque.
Again, there is a ‘crowd’ anticipating the ‘surprise’ arrival of the Candidate. 4-5 of us photographers cram in behind the order taker and cashier, apologizing as we interrupt their lunchtime business. Though the 2 women seems quite excited and nervous, one has a Obama/Biden t-shirt from Sunday’s rally in Asheville. Unfortunately it also seems like it’s about 90 degrees inside the smokehouse so we all are soon sweating profusely. In comes Obama to cheers, shaking hands with customers, realizing he’s cut in front of the line and then tries to stand in line. Customers will have none of that, and he is allowed to go to the front. He reads over the menu, consults with woman taking orders and the man in line behind him. From the pool reporter: “ He ordered six sweet teas for himself and his staff, a double order of collard greens, one BBQ plate, a veggie plate and two racks of ribs (12 Bones’ specialty) and some corn pudding. Total price: $66.” (no order for the media) Cashier says it is on the house, but Obama says that would be illegal and he would like to pay. Senator pulls out cash from his pocket, he’s short so asks and aide for $5. They give him a plastic number 1, which they will call out when order is ready.
He wanders the small restaurant greeting and shaking hands with people, as photographers and tv cameramen jockey for position and make our way around Secret Service agents and customers. Restaurant seems to be getting hotter and finally he gets the order in a large brown paper bag. I catch him saying goodbye to customers then run out a side door to see him leaving the front of the place.
Back to debate preparations at the hotel, we start sending pictures on the bumpy ride back to our hotel. No more activities, so we head to our hotel pool to relax.
A relaxing (Monday) evening, went out to a Mexican restaurant that was highly recommended, saw some Obama staff people there. Interesting plates like my lamb and goat cheese enchilada with black beans and rice.
Oct. 6
Asheville, NC
The Smokehouse
Every candidate must eat so Sen. Barack Obama decides he needs interrupt his debate preparation and the largest single day point drop in Dow Jones history to go to 12 Bones Smokehouse in the River Arts District of Asheville. First, tieless but with jacket, he makes a statement in the parking lot of The Grove Park Inn, the luxury resort he (but not the media) is staying at, about the economy. Obama starts by saying, "Hope you’re enjoying this beautiful weather. Before we go get barbeque I just wanted to make a brief statement about the economy…” Lots of words about the economy, then off to barbeque.
Again, there is a ‘crowd’ anticipating the ‘surprise’ arrival of the Candidate. 4-5 of us photographers cram in behind the order taker and cashier, apologizing as we interrupt their lunchtime business. Though the 2 women seems quite excited and nervous, one has a Obama/Biden t-shirt from Sunday’s rally in Asheville. Unfortunately it also seems like it’s about 90 degrees inside the smokehouse so we all are soon sweating profusely. In comes Obama to cheers, shaking hands with customers, realizing he’s cut in front of the line and then tries to stand in line. Customers will have none of that, and he is allowed to go to the front. He reads over the menu, consults with woman taking orders and the man in line behind him. From the pool reporter: “ He ordered six sweet teas for himself and his staff, a double order of collard greens, one BBQ plate, a veggie plate and two racks of ribs (12 Bones’ specialty) and some corn pudding. Total price: $66.” (no order for the media) Cashier says it is on the house, but Obama says that would be illegal and he would like to pay. Senator pulls out cash from his pocket, he’s short so asks and aide for $5. They give him a plastic number 1, which they will call out when order is ready.
He wanders the small restaurant greeting and shaking hands with people, as photographers and tv cameramen jockey for position and make our way around Secret Service agents and customers. Restaurant seems to be getting hotter and finally he gets the order in a large brown paper bag. I catch him saying goodbye to customers then run out a side door to see him leaving the front of the place.
Back to debate preparations at the hotel, we start sending pictures on the bumpy ride back to our hotel. No more activities, so we head to our hotel pool to relax.
A relaxing (Monday) evening, went out to a Mexican restaurant that was highly recommended, saw some Obama staff people there. Interesting plates like my lamb and goat cheese enchilada with black beans and rice.
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