After White House Serves Fast Food, Co-Owner Of Alinea Invites Clemson Football Team To Dinner
Chicago (CBS) -- The co-owner of one of Chicago's top-rated restaurants invited the National Champion Clemson football team to dinner after their recent trip to the White House.
Nick Kokonas, co-owner of the Alinea Group, tweeted that he was personally inviting the Clemson Tigers "to experience what an actual celebration dinner should be."
I could care less about college football. But I'm personally inviting the Clemson Tigers team and coaches to Chicago to experience what an actual celebration dinner should be.
I'm not joking.
Someone let them know what The Alinea Group does. It'll be worth it@ClemsonTigers
— nick kokonas (@nickkokonas) January 16, 2019
After defeating the No. 1-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16 in the National Championship game Jan. 7, the Clemson Tigers were invited to the White House for a presidential dinner. But some were surprised by the choice of food they were served.
Earlier this evening, President @realDonaldTrump treated the Clemson Tigers football team to dinner in the State Dining Room! #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/P5JAo6yzfR
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 15, 2019
President Trump, paying for the meal himself due to the government shutdown, posed in front of the spread that included fast food from popular chains McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King. Despite the unconventional menu, the food was still served on silver platters under the glow of candlelight.
Kokonas' tweet, posted Tuesday night, has received an outpouring of support with almost 4,000 likes by noon Wednesday.
Some of his supporters include local Chicago celebrities offering their services for the dinner.
Need an emcee?
— Lin Brehmer (@LinBrehmer) January 16, 2019
Back off, Lin. This one's mine.
— Peter Sagal (@petersagal) January 16, 2019
WXRT-FM morning DJ Lin Brehmer and host of NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" Peter Sagal both vouched to emcee the event.
Not everyone thought the president's dinner selection was that terrible or that a meal at Alinea would be better.
Embarrassing. Fix your problems in Chicago. The Tigers are good. They had a great day.
— Neal Fink (@SALES_720) January 16, 2019
To be fair I'm not convjnced I've ever had a dish at a restaurant that was better than a Big Mac
— Max Temkin (@MaxTemkin) January 16, 2019
Alinea is Chicago's only restaurant with a three-star rating from Michelin and was No. 9 in the The 2014 San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards, which are seen as Oscars of fine dining.
It is also one of the most expensive restaurants in the country, with the price of a meal running $190 to $395 per person.
The Washington Post estimates that the White House dinner cost the president about $3,000.
Former NFL player and Good Morning America contributor Michael Strahan is also offering to treat the Clemson Tigers to dinner in New York.
ATTENTION @ClemsonFB: @michaelstrahan has a very important announcement for you! Should we expect to see you in Times Square for lobster AND caviar soon?#QTNA #GMADay https://t.co/W1vUNMab63 pic.twitter.com/fwPlNxERyb
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 15, 2019
"Lobster, whatever you want, we're going to treat you to the proper meal that you deserve because that was one great game, a great accomplishment," Strahan said.