Falls Church Eatery A Favorite Of President George H.W. Bush

FALLS CHURCH, VA—Located about seven miles from the White House, Peking Gourmet Inn built a reputation not only on its acclaimed Peking duck, but also on famous patrons. One of its most well-known visitors was the late President George H.W. Bush.

According to a report from The Hill, his son Marvin Bush, who lived in Alexandria, decided to take his father (then vice president) to the restaurant. The rest was history.

The 41st president visited at least 50 times, The Hill estimates. Since then, Bush and his extended family—including future President George W. Bush—have dined at the restaurant. In fact, the staff came to remember what food they would order when they arrived.

George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush used to dine in the restaurant's back room; it now boasts a Bush wall of photos, NBC Washington reported earlier this year. The couple last visited in 2016 during their son Jeb Bush's presidential bid.

The Tsui family's Peking Gourmet Inn has been open since 1978. Specializing in northern Chinese cuisine, the signature dish is the Peking duck, served with pancakes, 
hoisin sauce, and spring onions and carved at the table.

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: President George H.W. Bush arrives for the coin toss prior to Super Bowl 51 between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)