Italian President Dines Sunday in Old Town Alexandria

PHOTOS: Warehouse Bar & Grill photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria; photo of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, official photo; photo of Sunday menu and private dining area courtesy of Hossein Pishdad, owner of The Warehouse Bar & Grill (click on photos to enlarge)

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Italian President Sergio Mattarella dined in Old Town Alexandria Sunday afternoon, ahead of a visit with President Obama Monday, the owner of the restaurant said.

Obama is hosting the Italian president to discuss shared efforts to counter ISIL and the global refugee crisis, according to an earlier White House statement announcing the visit. They will also exchange views on economic developments in Europe, the importance of concluding the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and other issues of mutual interest.

But Sunday, it was all about enjoying a delicious meal at Old Town Alexandria’s The Warehouse Bar & Grill, at 214 King St. (see map below). Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, the Warehouse is one of the area’s most popular restaurants specializing in prime aged steaks and fresh seafood.

Restaurant owner Hossein Pishdad said Sunday the Italian president, 74, was among an entourage of 34 people who arrived at about 12:40 p.m. and stayed for about two hours. The restaurant hosted the group in an upstairs private dining area.

On the menu:

• Appetizer: Choice of She Crab Soup, Crawfish and Shrimp Beignets, House Salad
• Entree: Herb-Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna, Grilled Filet Mignon, Blackened Center-Cut Swordfish
• Dessert: Caramel Custard, Fresh Fruit, Raspberry Sorbet

Coffee and hot tea were also offered; the president ordered a red wine.

Pishdad said the president had an interpreter with him and stopped to say hello and shake hands with him and also the chef of the restaurant.

Pishdad said his group of restaurants also played host to the Clintons when Bill Clinton was president, at RT’s in Alexandria.

See also:

• President Obama Grabs a Burger at FireFlies in Del Ray
• Caps Star Dines in Alexandria
• Film Star Robert Pattinson Dines in Old Town Alexandria
• Israeli Prime Minister: Dining in Old Town Alexandria?
• Obamas Celebrate Anniversary in Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria often plays host to some big names; see a full list here courtesy of Visit Alexandria.