Beijing noodle shop calls for Biden to dine in again

(8 Nov 2020) A little restaurant beneath Beijing's iconic Drum Tower knows Joe Biden. They've hung up photos of the President-elect when he dropped in for a bowl of noodles and dumplings nine years ago. "We are old friends," said manager Yao Yan, who served dumplings and noodles, instead of the restaurant's specialty of liver. Back then, Joe Biden was Barack Obama's Vice President, and he visited Beijing with his granddaughter Naomi and then US Ambassador to China Gary Locke. In what Chinese papers dubbed "noodle diplomacy," Biden sat down and a low table and ate a plate of noodles and dumplings before giving onlookers thumbs up and a smile. "During the meal, Biden was very friendly with Chinese customers. After that, everyone applauded for Biden. There was the feeling of joy, of laughter, and a cheerful mood. Biden is a very humorous and kind person." Customer Lan Ziyi was surprised Biden had graced the same tables, and thought the memory bode well for a repair in relations that have come under extreme strain during the Trump administration. The manager Yao invites him to return after assuming office. "We can talk about our old days and friendship while he tastes our snacks and hope that our friendship will last longer." Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...