Birthday Surprise For Michelle

[sandnsea]

I wonder how long it takes before the attacks on Michelle celebrating her birthday start. We should have a pool.

Anyways...



The President took the First Lady out for a surprise birthday dinner tonight at Restaurant Nora, with the claim to fame of being the first certified organic restaurant in the country. Originally a grocery store in the 19th century, Nora Pouillon opened the establishment in 1979 and has transformed the quaint brick building into an organic oasis.

The First Lady, who is turning 46 tomorrow, wore a black, long-sleeved dress while the President wore a gray suit and collarless black shirt.

The children were not along although the party looks like a lively event with family and friends including:

Marian Robinson, the First Lady’s mother
Valerie Jarrett, special adviser to the President
Eric and Cheryl Whitaker, friends of the Obamas from Chicago
Eric Holder, attorney general
Sharon Malone, Holder’s wife
Mary Nesbitt, another friend from Chicago
Susan Sher, the First Lady’s chief of staff
Elizabeth Alexander, who recited a poem at Obama’s inauguration
Cindy Moelis, head of the White House Fellows program
Anita Blanchard
Jocelyn Frye, Director of Policy and Projects in the First Lady’s office


http://obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=1021

[Cha]

1. Thank you, how much fun for the Obamas to be with friends..

going out for Michelle's birthday!

I love restaurants that have Organic Food!



And, the first certified organic restaurant is very impressive, imv.

"In April 1999, Restaurant Nora became America's first certified organic restaurant. This means that 95% or more of everything that you eat at the restaurant has been produced by certified organic growers and farmers all who share in Nora's commitment to sustainable agriculture. Nora always offers seasonal, fresh organic food, prepared in a healthy, balanced way and enjoys a "big following" of environmentalists and politicians, who can eat here with a clear conscience, knowing that what's on their plate hasn't polluted the environment, is healthy for them, and tastes good too. Nora offers a special chef's tasting menu, which is perfectly accompanied by a spectacular choice of wines from our award winning wine list, featuring over 100 exceptional wines from small wine producers."

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Cuisine: Organic, Contemporary American
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
Cross Street: R Street, N.W.
Menu: View menu on restaurant's website
Price: $31 to $50
Website: http://www.noras.com
Phone: [phone]
Hours of Operation: Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Payment Options:
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef: Nora Pouillon
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes

http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=6635

[sandnsea]

2. She has a little program on LinkTV too

http://www.linktv.org/programs/nora!

Our one organic restaurant is really more of a cafe. But that way they can serve less expensive items which fits in here more. My favorite is their fish tacos with a mango salsa, everything local except the mangoes. They have a little grocery section too with all kinds of yummies, I get my agave there. I can't wait for one of these fast food joints to figure it out and completely transform their menu. So many good choices out there.

[Cha]

3. Fish tacos with mango salsa

sounds yummy and I'm vegan:9

This restaurant in Santa Cruz started out as a healthy fast food joint in 1981..in fact I haven't heard much about them since the '80s but like all really good things it just kept growing and getting better..


About Dharma's Restaurant

"Founded in 1981 as a fast food vegetarian restaurant, Dharma's Natural Foods is completely vegetarian, with 95% of our items primarily vegan.

Dharma's includes as many items that are organic as possible, such as flours, veggies, some fruits, wines, beers, as well as our lentils, beans, tofus & pastas. We use extra virgin olive oil and cold pressed oils. And of course, we use no preservatives!"

<more>
http://www.dharmaland.com/history/about_us.html

I've worked in a Natural Food co-op in upper New York for the last 10 years so there's a lot of organic food available to cook myself as there aren't any cafes near by.

I'm moving back to Kaua'i next year and I've read there's a really nice vegan cafe called Blossoming Lotus.. Oh, I just went to their website and they're closed..their restaurant in Portland, Ore is still open. I'm guessing the economy over there.

DarnB-)

[rebel with a cause]

4. Happy Birthday Michelle.

her age is the opposite of mine...46....64...wonder if she would like to trade? :rofl:

[sandnsea]

5. More on the birthday, and a pic

The First Couple ended up partying for nearly 4 hours at Restaurant Nora. Guests started leaving at 9:40, with Marian Robinson, the First Lady's mother, leading the crowd. Mrs. Robinson was wearing a black pant suit.

As the President and Mrs. Obama exited the restaurant, they were greeted with applause and a group of about 50 burst into a round of "Happy Birthday" as they walked to their car. The First Couple waved at the crowd, and then the crowd cheered again as the motorcade left the restaurant.