The great Obama-Medvedev escape: Burgers

Created on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 10:52 Last Updated on Monday, 03 December 2012 19:28 Published on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 10:52 Written by Associated Press Hits: 2342

by Julie Pace

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP)—Talk about a meaty agenda.

President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took a break from bilateral meetings at the White House June 24 to make a burger run.

BURGER RUN—President Barack Obama and Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev eat burgers during an unscheduled visit to Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington, Va., June 24.

Traveling by motorcade, the two presidents ventured to Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington, Va., a popular hamburger joint just outside the nation’s capital. Obama ate there last year with Vice President Joe Biden.

A cheer went up from customers when the presidents walked in.

During their meal, Obama and Medvedev sat at a table with their interpreters, sharing a conversation through them.

The U.S. president had a cheeseburger with cheddar cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato and pickles. His Russian counterpart had a cheeseburger with cheddar, onion, jalapenos and mushrooms.

Obama drank ice tea, Medvedev sipped a Coke, and they split fries.

Both leaders were in a shirt sleeves on a sweltering summer day. Other customers were seen enjoying their own meals and largely leaving the presidents alone.