Donald Trump and Rick Perry chow down in NYC

At left, a file photo of real estate mogul Donald Trump, and at right, Texas Gov. Rick Perry arriving to Trump Towers in Manhattan, Sept. 14, 2011.

/ CBS/Reuters/AP

NEW YORK - Texas Gov. Rick Perry met celebrity businessman Donald Trump on Wednesday night for a dinner that threatens to undermine the Republican presidential hopeful's populist cred.

Perry huddled with Trump, who aborted his own bid for the GOP nomination earlier this year, at the real estate mogul's eponymous Trump Tower for more than an hour before his host whisked him off to dine at Jean-Georges Restaurant, a highly-rated - and highly priced -- eatery located in another Trump building overlooking Central Park.

No word on exactly what the power couple sampled, but the menu is a long way from the chicken fried steaks that are a culinary emblem of Perry's home state. According to an online menu, a $98 prix fixe menu gives diners the options of ordering dishes such as Fluke Sashimi with Floral Infused Cherries, Carmelized Foie Gras, and Crunchy Rabbit.

As they exited, Trump and Perry drew a crowd of onlookers. Some sought autographs. Some shouted encouragement. Others shouted epithets.

The two seemed in good spirits after their feed.

"Excellent, excellent," said Trump, when asked how the meeting went.

Added Perry: "It was very good. He knows his restaurants."

Perry is the latest in a series of Republican presidential contenders or potential contenders who have come calling on Trump. So far, he seems to have been the one who merited the most red carpet treatment. When Sarah Palin brought her bus tour through New York in June, Trump hosted her at a pizzeria on Times Square.

20 Photos

Rick Perry on the campaign trail

[Jaaayyy]

Where was Perry recently? In New York for Fashion Week, wearing a designer suit and sipping champagne with Donald Trump.

Where was "unelectable" Paul? On the trail in California bringing 100s of grassroots supporters to the California GOP straw poll.

Paul smashed Perry by 15%.

[rayz28-2009]

They both should be chowing down at the bottom of the ocean with their brother "Bin Laden"! Rich White Racist, SOB Carreer Political Terrorists. Yeah!!!! Vote for these guys to receive your HPV shot free! Yeah!!! Give me your daughters or go to jail, or worse deathe camps. You will wear white robes with white hoods, and work in slave labor camps for the Big oil companies, or pharmacy companies, or insruance companies. Yeah!!! Racism is alive and well in the US of A. Texans must be stupid to have elected this guy? Wake up America you're being sold down the River. The bloody Mississippi River! Back to the Good ole days of 1920's! Yes Master!!!!

[Alex_Votocracy]

These two would make an interesting Pres. and VP combo...Come and discuss politics in an open environment that encourages freedom of speech and the right to make your own decisions: http://******/oqjK36

[Lindag10]

Perry should be right at home in a restaurant that serves fried rabbit, a Southern staple. However $98.00 for it seems pretty high priced, although they probably have to import it from a Southern state.

[nirak2-2009]

If Perry thinks the Donald plays second fiddle, he is mistaken and getting advise from the Donald is useless anyway.

[Zann-Zel]

Now if Perry picks Trump as a running mate - we will know he doesn't want to win anymore than McCain did!

[Progress4USA]

Except that "The Don" would never play second fiddle to anyone else... My guess is Trump wants to look like a king maker (fat chance on that)...

[Progress4USA]

I wonder if they showed each other their birth certificates...you know, make'n sure everything was on the up-n-up!!! ;^)

[endrepubs]

I think we have our 2012 Republican ticket there. The Vitalis boys.

[hsinco-2009]

Added Perry: "It was very good. He knows his restaurants."

That is all I'd trust Trump with..... a restaurant recommendation.

Nothing else at all.

[daffy64]

Talk about ELITISTS.

But hey, it's okay as long as you're not black.

Right?