Former U.S. President Barack Obama, renowned film director Steven Spielberg, and iconic singer Bruce Springsteen surprised staff at a Barcelona restaurant with a last-minute dinner reservation on Thursday. The high-profile group, which included Obama’s wife Michelle and Spielberg’s wife Kate Capshaw, had come to Barcelona to attend Springsteen’s concert on Friday night.
The Palace Hotel’s Amar restaurant was recommended to the group by Spanish-American chef José Andrés, who has close ties with the Obamas. According to Amar chef Rafa Zafra, the notable visitors enjoyed a seafood feast that included oysters, shellfish, and fish from Roses, along with Zafra’s signature dish, the “caviar bikini.”
Although security personnel asked staff not to take photos with the group, Obama himself reportedly entered the kitchen and thanked the staff for the excellent meal. He even requested a group photo with the entire team.
Springsteen and Obama have been friends since the singer endorsed him for president in 2008, while Spielberg and Obama have a longstanding friendship that led to Spielberg receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
The surprise visit delighted staff at the Amar restaurant, with worker Pol Perello sharing a photo of the group on his Instagram page and writing, “Pleasures that this job brings you.” Zafra also shared his excitement, stating that it was a privilege to serve such distinguished guests and that the visit had been a highlight of his career.
The surprise visit of the high-profile group made headlines worldwide and is a testament to the enduring appeal of these cultural icons.
