The first State Dinner hosted by the President and First Lady seemed to have lacked in nothing! The warmth of the welcome and the glamour of the State Dinner was not lost on any!! The slight Indian touch and the simple appeal was hinted at from the guest list to the completely vegetarian menu for the State Dinner! Here is an interesting peep into the décor and the menu of the State Dinner!

The guest chef Marcus Samuelsson worked with first lady Michelle Obama and White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford to create a delectable menu that catered to the eminent guests and brought together a delicious blend of American and Indian cuisine. As expected fresh, sustainable and regional food was incorporated in to the State Dinner menu!

The State Dinner Spread

It isn’t surprising that the spread was vegetarian given that the Indian Prime Minister is a pure vegetarian and a teetotaler. (to the dismay of many meat lovers in the guest list). A yummy Potato and Egg Salad kick started the State Dinner with tasty aplomb! The White House arugula with onion seed vinaigrette followed after which a yummy red lentil soup with fresh cheese was served.

The Indian touch came with the next course where Potato Dumplings was served with Tomato Chutney, chickpeas and okra, Green curried prawns, Caramelized Salsify with smoked collard greens and aromatic coconut aged basmati was served.

The dessert course was even more glamorous with Pumpkin Pie Tart and Pear Tatin, whipped cream and caramel sauce. The petits fours and coffee-cashew brittle pecan pralines, passion fruit and vanilla gelees with chocolate-dipped fruit painted a wonderfully tempting dessert spread. The desserts were the brain child of White House executive pastry chef William Yosses who used ingredients from the White House kitchen garden. Even the honey used to prepare honey poached pears came from the White House beehives.

State Dinner Ambience And Decors

Apple green linens lit up the tables set out under the spectacular tent at the South lawn. They were round tables of ten with deep purple flower arrangements at each table lit up by beautiful chandeleirs. Hydrangea, garden roses, and sweet peas brought a wonderful palette of colors to the centerpiece, while magnolias native to both India and the US were found draping the walls.  And finally the gues were eating from dinner ware taken from the White House's historic collection.

It does look like the dignitaries at the White house enjoyed a great meal and the décor definitely set the pace for it! Symbolism was embedded in everything from the lovely purple colored arrangements that reminded one of India's National Bird the Ppeacock to Michelle Obama’s dress that was designed by Indian - Amercan designer Naeem Khan. Of course for those like me who wished we were there at the State dinner here is the State Dinner Gallery for you!

Image Credit

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