Modi's dinner at White House: Here's what's on the menu
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, along with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford are hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 22 for a State Dinner. The menu has been designed by guest chef Nina Curtis and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison, along with the first lady and Comerford. Take a look at tonight's lavish festivities.
Menu showcases American cuisine seasoned with Indian elements: Chef Curtis
During an interview, Chef Curtis shared, "We have curated a menu that really showcases the best in American cuisine, also seasoned with Indian elements and flavors." It includes a multitude of dishes featuring millet as the key ingredient, especially because the United Nations has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets. The menu includes various vegan first courses, main courses, and dessert offerings.
Here's the plant-based menu as released by the White House
The first course shall include marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad, compressed watermelon, and tangy avocado sauce. This will be followed by stuffed portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto for the main course. Sumac-roasted sea bass, lemon-dill yogurt sauce, crisped millet cakes, and summer squashes shall be served upon request. As for the dessert, there is a rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake.
It's millets all day tonight!
The dinner pavilion to feature a tricolor theme
The pavilion at the South Lawn where the dinner is set to take place tonight will feature a tricolor theme. "Tomorrow night, guests will walk across the South Lawn, into a pavilion draped in rich greens with saffron flowers at every table, the colors of the Indian flag," said the First Lady during a press meet. The backdrop will include eagle and peacock installations.
Some top-rated wines are on the menu as well
Per the menu released by the White House on June 21, PM Modi will also be served with some all-star wines like Stone Tower chardonnay "Kristi" 2021, PATEL red blend 2019, and Domain Carneros brut rosé to wash it all down.
First Lady wanted to encourage Modi's call to promote millets
2023 became the International Year of Millets soon after The United Nations (UN) General Assembly accepted India's proposal to do so. India is the largest producer of millets, which are known to feature numerous potent nutrients and health benefits. Inspired by PM Modi's involvement in promoting millets, the First Lady has included millet-based dishes in tonight's State Dinner to honor his vision.
State Dinner guest list includes 400 notable individuals
The White House Historical Association states that a State Dinner at the White House is a significant occasion held in honor of visiting foreign leaders. The black-tie event will host around 400 esteemed guests, including prominent personalities from the corporate world such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, among others.
