'Crocodile Hunter' tucks into Aussie barbie with George Bush

Associated Press | October 23, 2003

[HAL9000]

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) -- Crikey! George W. Bush came face to face with the Crocodile Hunter at a traditional Aussie barbie - or barbecue - lunch at Prime Minister John Howard's official residence.

Steve Irwin, star of the "Crocodile Hunter" television show in which he regular wrestles huge reptiles, was among 70 guests at the daytime party for the visiting U.S. president.

The meal started shrimps and scallops in a chili and coriander sauce followed by beef fillet and lamb cutlet with asparagus, baby rocket and tomato jus.

Dessert was macadamia pavlova roulade with passionfruit ice cream.

That's more elaborate than most Australian barbies, which often feature steak or lamb chops with possibly a chopped up onion thrown on the grill as garnish.

Also there were sports stars John Eales, a former world chanpion captain of the Australia's rugby union football team and former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor.

Bush may not have heard of either sports stars but they are both hugely popular in Australia and also with Howard, who's big cricket fan.

Media mogul Kerry Packer, Australia's richest man, also was at the lunch.

Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved

[witnesstothefall]

Thank God the Croc Hunter didn't pull a Barbara Streisand. I'm a fan.

[Incorrigible]

No worries Mr. President, I'll handle the media for you.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

Always liked him...

[HAL9000]

The meal started shrimps and scallops in a chili and coriander sauce followed by beef fillet and lamb cutlet with asparagus, baby rocket and tomato jus.

Great. Now I'm hungry.

[irishtenor]

And his wife is from Oregon.

[Fledermaus]

Most Aussies aren't left wing wimps. Their soldiers working with us kick major A$$.

[Tamzee]

U.S. President George W. Bush listens to his national anthem alongside first lady Laura Bush (R), Australian Prime Minister John Howard (2nd L) and his wife Janette in the foyer of Parliament House in Canberra, October 23, 2003. As thousands of anti-war demonstrators protested outside, in a speech to the Parliament President Bush thanked Australia for sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan to stand and fight alongside the United States. REUTERS/Jason Reed

[At _War_With_Liberals]

Wow. Thought wife was from AU.

[anguish]

Indeed, and since I'm currently out of food I need to go shopping. Thanks alot!! :)

[irishtenor]

Nope, grew up on a animal farm near Eugene, I think. Had her own cougars and such.

[livius]

Interesting, I didn't know that bit about Howard's wife. Thanks!

The menu sounded great, btw, and Aussies are always great company. Except for Greens, but of course, I never spend any time with them in any country anywhere. And I bet Green food stinks.

[in the Arena]

with asparagus, baby rocket and tomato jus.

Never heard of that...bet it threw the Secret Service for a loop...

[Republican Red]

Funny, I thought the post was about Paul Hogan until some one posted a picture. Got to get out of the house more often!

[irishtenor]

Howard's wife? No, the "Croc Hunter's " wife is from Oregon.

[dougherty]

I'm happy to hear this. We've been watching Steve's show for years and love the movie he made. He seems like a great guy.

[dougherty]

You are correct. His wife is American and her name is Terri.

[Centurion2000]

Looks like he's got a good hold on James Carville ... or maybe Helen Thomas

[Antoninus]

Byuutiful! Wooo!