Obama Makes First Trip to Ben’s Chili Bowl with Fenty

President-elect Barack Obama today made his first-ever visit to Ben’s Chili Bowl, an institution among Washington, D.C. natives and birthplace of the indigenous and spicy half-smoke hot dog, accompanied by D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty (D).

The pair motorcaded their way to Ben’s around 1 p.m. after Obama taped an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, which will air tomorrow on “This Week.”

Obama posed for photos with diners and staff before ordering, according to a pool report. Obama ordered a chili half-smoke and sweet tea; Fenty, cheese fries and water.

The two sat at a two-person table, joking with patrons, according to the pool report. Obama returned to the counter to retrieve shredded cheese and Fenty’s water, according to the report.

When asked about the importance of his first-ever visit to the historic dining spot, Obama reportedly said, “it means I’m going to get a hot dog.”