White House State Dinner with China

Tonight the White House held their third State Dinner, honoring China’s President Hu Jintao. Despite a controversial visit filled with a day of tough talks, President and First Lady Obama (in Alexander McQueen!) spiffed up for a night of food, music, and dignitaries.

Photo courtesy of Huffington Post

Joining His Excellency Jintao were 200 guests including two former U.S. Presidents (Carter and Clinton), fashion designer Vera Wang, reporter Christiane Amanpour, actor Jackie Chan, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, cellist Yo Yo Ma (“Yo-Yo Ma Rules!”), and Queen of Amazingness Barbra Streisand.

For the past two State Dinners, the Obamas brought in guest chefs and celebrated the cuisine of the country being honored, mixed with American ingredients. This time the First Couple decided to keep the cooking in-house with the extremely capable White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef William Yosses. And instead of opting for Asian flavors they highlighted the classic American meal: steak, potatoes, and apple pie! The full menu is below:

D’Anjou Pear Salad with Farmstead Goat Cheese, Fennel, Black Walnuts, and White Balsamic

Poached Maine Lobster with Orange Glazed Carrots and Black Trumpet Mushrooms

Lemon Sorbet

Dry-Aged Rib Eye with Buttermilk Crisp Onions, Double Stuffed Potatoes, and Creamed Spinach

Old Fashioned Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Just like in past State Dinners, ingredients from the White House garden were used, along with vegetables from the Huron, OH-based The Chef’s Garden. Wine pairings from American-vineyards were also served.

Table setting in the Red Room. The Red, Blue, and State Dining Rooms were used. Photo courtesy of the Huffington Post

After dinner, attendees will enjoy a musical performance from Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, and other musicians from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

The official program for the State Dinner can be found here.