Candidates' dining choices analyzed

WASHINGTON, July 22 (UPI) -- Dining habits can give a taste of U.S. presidential candidates' character, say analysts with perhaps a bit of tongue-in-cheek.

Both John McCain and Barack Obama have fairly middle-of-the-road tastes, similar to millions of Americans, with pizza near the top of the list, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. But both also have a fondness for variations on Mexican food found in their hometown areas.

McCain reportedly likes to dine out in Arizona fashion with a Tex-Mex combo platter when visiting restaurants near his ranch north of Phoenix.

A favorite night out in Chicago for the Obamas is at the alternative Mexican restaurant Topolobampo, run by award-winning chef Rick Bayless, said Michelle Obama spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld. On simpler occasions, the Obamas favor RJ Grunts' menu of burgers, ribs and Tex-Mex standards, said the spokeswoman.