US President Joe Biden has caused an uproar online after it was revealed that he always orders the exact same pasta dish as his wife Jill at their favourite Italian restaurant. The President, 80, and his wife, 71, divided opinions on social media, with many couples certain that you should try different meals out.
The controversial topic was brought to light after the Washington Post shared that Joe and Jill both order the signature dish - the rigatoni with fennel sausage ragù - at The Red Hen in Washington, D.C. for date night. It seems the First Couple have fear of missing out (FOMO) if they don't tuck into the same food during dinner.
Food writer Jessica Sideman (@jsidman) took the debate to Twitter when she tweeted: "There are 2 types of couples in this world: those who order the same dish at a restaurant and those who would never ever dare…
"I would definitely glare at my husband if he ordered the same thing as me because obviously we need to try as much of the menu as possible!"
Her tweet soon went viral and lead to an argument online over whether or not it's okay to eat the same meal as your other half.
"Who would want to order the same thing? If you order different, you get to try both," one person wrote, while another agreed: "Seriously, the whole point is to try more things."
"If everyone's eating the same thing, you could have just made one meal at home," a third tweeted.
Though other people were more taken to the idea and admitted they do it themselves.
"My husband and I constantly order the same thing just because we have similar tastes (except if it is steak which I wouldn't choose)," someone said. "Great minds think alike and after close to 30 years of marriage, it works."
"You each order what you're in the mood for, whether they're the same or not," another put.
"If you want to try other foods, go to the restaurant again. Glaring at your husband for ordering the same thing is childish/selfish."
Some people said ordering similar dishes is a sign of a "healthy marriage" and it stops their partner eating off their plate - which is "gross and cheap".
"Guys, I 100 per cent order the same dish as my fiancé because I'll be damned if I don't get the food I want just because he wants it to," one Twitter user wrote.
Though one person explained that ordering the exact same dish is only acceptable at the The Ren Hen.
"I feel this way, except when it comes to the mezze rigatoni at Red Hen. It's just too good to not eat a whole bowl on your own," they put.
The pair, who have been married for 46 years, also tuck into the chicory salad and grilled bread with cultured butter during their meal.
The restaurant's chef and owner Michael Friedman told the Washington Post that it's "such an honour to have a presidential visit, but it's funny that this is what came out of it".
Talking about the Twitter debate, he added: "It's a fascinating thread people have chosen to follow, and I'm just really enjoying the banter."
What do you think about ordering the same dish as your other half? Let us know in the comments.
