Obama gets dinner with Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi

President Obama dined with chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Monday.  

The two men sat down for dinner at Bún chả Hương Liên, a restaurant near the city’s old quarter. The conversation will be featured on an episode of Bourdain’s CNN travel and food show, “Parts Unknown,” in September. 

Obama is having dinner with @Bourdain in #Hanoi at Bun cha Huong Lien restaurant. Pic h/t @carolelee #ObamaInVietnam pic.twitter.com/QGkEQ8jYpE

— devindwyer (@devindwyer) May 23, 2016

{mosads}

Total cost of bun Cha dinner with the President: $6.00 . I picked up the check . #Hanoi

— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) May 23, 2016

Hundreds of others gathered on the streets outside the modest-looking restaurant, trying to catch a glimpse of the president, according to a pool reporter.  

The interview is part of the White House’s strategy to reach new audiences through non-traditional outlets.

During a trip to Alaska last September, Obama taped an appearance on Bear Grylls’s NBC outdoor survival show. 

The outspoken Bourdain has often criticized Republicans but has also expressed disappointment with Obama. 

“A disappointment to me personally for someone I admired,” he said during a 2011 appearance on an Australian TV show.  

“I was very happy when he was elected president,” he added. “I certainly voted for him, and I was very happy when he was elected. I wish he’d get angry.”