The White House's State Dinner: A Celebration of India's Influence

The White House Social Secretary, Carlos Elizondo, shared that the inspiration for the State Dinner was India's national bird, the peacock. The US First Lady, Jill Biden, presented a prototype of the extravagant State Dinner to be held in honor of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Thursday. During a press briefing the day before the event, she revealed that the menu would feature millet dishes and gourmet specialties tailored to Prime Minister Modi's tastes.

 Unveiling the Lavish State Dinner

The menu card for the US State Dinner will include a first course of marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad with compressed watermelon and a tangy avocado sauce, served on Thursday evening. Jill Biden described the ambiance, stating that guests would walk across the South Lawn into a pavilion adorned in rich greens with saffron-colored flowers on every table, representing the colors of the Indian flag.

 A Delectable Menu with Millet Delights

The main course will consist of stuffed Portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto, along with sumac-roasted sea bass accompanied by a lemon-dill yogurt sauce. Crisped millet cakes and summer squashes will provide a delightful addition to the appetizing experience. The menu, showcasing the best of both American and Indian cuisine, was organized by guest chef Nina Curtis, White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford, and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison.

"We have been working on this State Dinner menu for a few months. The First Lady and I are thrilled, and I believe we have successfully accomplished our mission," said Curtis. She expressed excitement about India's plans to celebrate the International Year of Millet and the inclusion of marinated millets in the menu.

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