Obama Stops for BBQ in North Carolina

On the road from Asheville to Millers Creek, President Obama stopped for some Southern comfort food at Countryside Barbeque in the small town of Marion, N.C., “where Main Street meets the mountains,” according to the town motto.

After placing his order at the front counter, a barbeque platter and a large sweet tea, the president got down to business shaking hands and posing for pictures.

According to the pool reports, the president spent just over half an hour snapping pictures and greeting diners in the packed restaurant, speaking with a member of the City Council, uniformed paramedics and a group of older women dressed in matching Native American costumes, complete with “war paint” on their faces. The women are reportedly members of the McDowell County Senior Line Dancers and had just participated in a performance earlier in the day.

Working his way through the banquettes, the president also met a little boy named Jack Nicholson – “You look older in the movies, man” – and spent some one-on-one time with a little baby boy.

“You know most of your meal is on the floor? Yes it is… It’s on the floor,” the president told one-year old Dakota in a pseudo baby voice.

Read more about President Obama’s stop in Asheville, North Carolina.

The menu at the roadside restaurant boasts chopped pork barbeque, fried chicken and country ham, among other Southern favorites. There are also a few salads on the list for good measure.

“Nestled in the foothills of Western North Carolina, the Countryside Barbecue restaurant offers a relaxed, family dining atmosphere, where you will receive a warm welcome, and the very best that Southern cooking has to offer!” the restaurant’s website raves.

Read about President Obama’s bus tour through North Carolina and Virginia.