Barack and Francois in show of 'bonhomie' at White House

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and French President Francois Hollande address a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, February 11, 2014. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There were no "freedom fries" or any other remembrances from strained Franco-American ties in the past. Instead, it was dry-aged beef and plenty of "bonhomie" as President Barack Obama gave a lavish welcome to French President Francois Hollande.

Obama went out of his way to welcome Hollande at the White House on Tuesday, saying a few words in passable French, teasing the Frenchman for his formality and toying with the notion that U.S. ties with France are as close as they are with old ally Britain.