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As ordinary Americans grapple with a crippling cost of living problem, Jill Biden dined with her grandchildren at an expensive celebrity restaurant in Los Angeles.
On Friday, while being closely scrutinized by her massive security detail, the first lady spent $23 on a ravioli con asparagi at the prestigious Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.
The 71-year-old also had a buffet of desserts delivered to her table, which she had with her granddaughter Naomi, her little brother and youngest grandchild Beau Jr., Hunter’s child.
Jill, wearing a light blue floral print dress and pink pumps, was surrounded by a crowd of celebrities inside the upscale diner, including Kate Hudson, who needed security screening.
Celebrating the 36th birthday of now-longtime love Danny Fujikawa, the 43-year-old actress looked adorable in a monochromatic polka dot wrap dress, which she paired with trendy sandals.
While Jill dined at the Elite Menu, where a steak cost a staggering $54, Americans continued to fight for their future in the face of a spiraling livelihood problem.
Her husband, who was in LA for the Summit of the Americas last week, is responsible for one of the biggest financial crises in US history, with record high gas prices, soaring supermarket prices and inflation at a 41-year high.
Jill got into the restaurant around 6pm and left two hours later. The first lady ordered the asparagus ravioli and the chef brought her some treats.
The outing followed the First Lady’s host of a special spouse’s luncheon for the wives of the Summit of the Americas leaders on Friday afternoon, which was served by a group of Los Angeles chefs.
Biden gathered about a dozen first ladies for the luncheon, which took place outside the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall under a grove of trees that provided shade from the searing heat.
Michelle Bolsonaro, wife of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was among the first ladies present. Jair Bolsonaro had his first bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden at the summit on Thursday after implying that Biden is not the real winner of the 2020 election.
dr Biden sat next to Ms Bolsonaro during a performance by Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno on Friday and remained close to her.
Later, when the women gathered for a “family photo,” Biden stood next to Bolsonaro. Biden instructed the women, “Take one for the press and one for the sorority.”
In the first photo, they stood side by side and smiled for the cameras before Biden wrapped her arms around Bolsonaro and Paraguayan Silvana López Moreira, whose sister died in the Miami disaster last year.
The Bidens took advantage of Los Angeles’ spectacular venues during this week’s Summit of the Americas, which brought together leaders from the Americas.
On Wednesday, the President and First Lady welcomed world leaders and their delegations to the Microsoft Theater, where the Emmy Awards are traditionally presented, for an opening ceremony of song and dance.
In a version of One World, One Prayer produced by Emilio Estefan, drummers danced through the aisles.
Cirque du Soleil acrobats dangled from the stage to The Tenors’ Lean on Me, which was accompanied by The President’s Own Marine Band.
Then, on Thursday night, the Bidens hosted a dinner for summit leaders at the Getty Villa, a flamboyant art museum built by millionaire J. Paul Getty in the Pacific Palisades.
“I’m proud to share all these pieces of Los Angeles with you,” Biden told lunch attendees, which included Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.
The food that was served was a mix of cultures: tacos, empanadas, Ethiopian chicken served with injera, a tostada with guacamole, smoked salmon and roe, chicken skewers, pot pies, tomato salad and more.
President Biden has made democracy a key issue at the US-hosted summit after deciding not to invite the authoritarian leaders of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, earning him a boycott from the Mexican president and criticism from leaders in Argentina and Belize .
“As spouses — you know, I’ve heard that so many times — we are not chosen, but we also serve the people of our countries,” Biden continued. “We can listen and learn from them in a way few others can.”
“We are cable girls. We are connectors, right? Yes,” Biden said, making a rope-like gesture as translators whispered in some women’s ears. “That’s what you said yesterday, we’re cable girls,” she said, directing her comment to one of the first ladies.
“And like Joe said last night, politics is personal and it’s about relationships. And it’s been incredible for me to learn how much we have in common and to find places to work together. And I heard that over and over at all the tables, what can we work on, what can we work on together, our common interests,” Biden noted.
She ended her brief speech by addressing the women, “May the friendships we form here today live on long after the summit is over.” “You are all in my heart and I hope our paths will cross soon and cross often,” she said.