US first lady's family samples Beijing's best bites

Peking roast duck. Photos provided to China Daily

Michelle Obama's family's decision to dine at a celebrated restaurant specializing in the capital's most acclaimed poultry dish during her Beijing visit was anticipatable, considering their desire to sample Chinese fare and the US first lady's vision of healthier dining shared by the eatery. Ye Jun reports.

Those who know Beijing's dining scene aren't surprised US first lady Michelle Obama's family chose Da Dong Peking Roast Duck Restaurant for dinner last evening. Perhaps least shocked is the eatery's owner, Dong Zhenxiang.

US President Barrack Obama planned to dine at Da Dong when he visited Beijing in 2009.

But the dinner was canceled for unknown reasons. The first lady also failed to show up for her reservation on Saturday, but her mother and daughters ate their hearts out.

Perhaps one of the reasons Michelle Obama made the reservation at Da Dong is that she's a high-profile spokeswoman for healthy eating.

She published a book on growing and cooking nutritious food in 2012. American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America features a section dedicated to healthy recipes.

Da Dong has a reputation for serving the capital's most delectable duck－and for developing a healthy menu.

Peking roast duck is a 600-year-old local specialty. It's available in big chain restaurants and every home-style eatery that offers Beijing fare.