Lobster Helps Save Trans-Atlantic Ties, Brings Return of French Fries

The lobster was delicious.
(photo: Associated Press)

President Bush is in Europe mending fences, and on Monday evening the President even dined with his nemesis Jacques Chirac of France. The dinner was described in yesterday's New York Times:

"The friendliest gesture during the dinner given by President Bush here was not political or personal, but culinary. After the lobster risotto with truffle sauce and alongside the filet of beef with bordelaise sauce was a side dish of potatoes."

Sounds exquisite. But surely the chef was insulted by the President's subsequent comment:

"Mr. Bush announced that they were 'French fries,' one participant said. No longer would thin slices of potatoes cooked in oil be 'freedom fries.'"

I don't know about you, but if I had just slaved in the kitchen to produce a lobster risotto with truffle sauce, and then someone in the dining room referred to my potato side dish as "French fries," I would direct them to depart from my dining room and find the nearest McDonald's.