Obamas have birthday date at Indian eatery

US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle chose Rasika, an Indian restaurant owned by a New Delhi born restaurateur that's a favourite haunt of power diners, to celebrate his birthday.

Happy birthday, Mr president: The couple chose Rasika, an Indian restaurant owned by a Delhi born restaurateur for the celebrations. File pic

"The President and First Lady are going out to dinner to celebrate his birthday," the White House said Thursday.

Obama, who turned 52 on Sunday, had spent his birthday weekend celebrating with friends and family at Camp David.

Reports did not say what the Obamas chose, but according to its website, Rasika in Washington's West End serves modern Indian cuisine, showcasing tawa, sigri, tandoori and regional dishes.

It offers ‘small plates, a modern lounge, and a temperature controlled wine cellar.'

New Delhi born Ashok Bajaj opened the award-winning restaurant Rasika, specialising in Indian fare with a modern twist, in December 2005.

Like most of their restaurant outings, Thursday night's private dinner was kept off the record until the Obamas arrived at the restaurant.

Once word got out, a large crowd of people eager to catch a glimpse of the president and first lady gathered across the street from the restaurant.

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