Pete Buttigieg, rumored to be a potential vice-presidential candidate, was seen this week at a popular restaurant in New York City, raising speculation and drawing interest.

The former South Bend mayor and current Transportation secretary was accompanied by his former communications adviser Lis Smith at Piggyback, with the pair caught dining at a trendy eatery in the Chelsea neighborhood, as Page Six reports.

Piggyback, which is run by Top Chef alum Leah Cohen, served as the backdrop for Buttigieg and Smith's appearance. The duo was escorted by two police officers as they entered the establishment.

Observations of the Interaction

An observer inside the restaurant noted the unexpected presence of police. “Walked in with two big cops,” said the observer.

The source, who watched Buttigieg interact with the bartender, described the scene as “super weird.”

Despite the unusual setting, Buttigieg engaged with the bartender for an extended period, showing a personable side to his public persona.

Before leaving Piggyback, Buttigieg took the time to shake hands with the kitchen staff. One eyewitness described him as a “nice dude” who seemed “really nice and low-key.”

Private Discussion and Background

Buttigieg and Smith opted for a private space at the back of the restaurant for their discussion.

The presence of Smith by Buttigieg’s side was particularly notable. Smith, who has a history of working as a consultant for former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and a past relationship with New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, brought additional layers of intrigue to the encounter.

The interaction between Buttigieg and Smith has sparked further speculation about his potential candidacy as Kamala Harris’ running mate, a subject of considerable political interest.

The Restaurant Scene

Piggyback is not only known for its food but also for its creatively named cocktails. Patrons can enjoy drinks such as “Make Me a Bicycle,” “WTF, Gatsby,” “I’m On the List,” and “Rain Delay.”

The dinner menu at Piggyback does not disappoint either. It features a variety of Asian and Western fusion dishes including Korean honey butter wings, shrimp fried rice, crispy Taiwanese porkchop, Malaysian fried chicken, and steak frites.

Buttigieg’s Recent Activities

Buttigieg has been actively involved in political engagements, including a recent virtual event with the group "White Dudes for Harris."

This event underscores his continuous commitment to broadening support for the current administration while potentially setting the stage for his future political ambitions.

His appearance at Piggyback was low-profile but strategic, allowing him to connect on a personal level while maintaining public visibility. The choice of Piggyback, a spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and culinary delights, aligns with Buttigieg's accessible approach to public relations.

Conclusion

Buttigieg’s evening at Piggyback in Chelsea, accompanied by Lis Smith and police escorts, has intensified the buzz around his possible vice-presidential nomination.

Their private discussion, Buttigieg’s personable interactions with the restaurant staff, and the venue’s trendy atmosphere added layers of curiosity and intrigue to the outing.

While the ultimate impact of this outing on his political journey remains to be seen, the event has successfully kept the spotlight firmly on Buttigieg. Observers and pundits alike will be keenly watching his next moves in this unfolding political narrative.