Strawberry shortcake and a cappella: How the White House plans to wine and dine India’s Modi
Naomi Lim
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First Lady Jill Biden, fresh from a day spent hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the nation’s capital, has unveiled her third state dinner menu and entertainment plans.
The menu, a collaboration between White House executive chef Cris Comerford, executive pastry chef Susie Morrison, and guest chef Nina Curtis, will be served before violinist and conductor Joshua Bell and Penn Masala, the University of Pennsylvania’s South Asian a cappella group, which was in Pitch Perfect 2, take center stage, according to the White House.
BIDEN’S CLIMATE AGENDA DREAMS COLLIDE WITH MILITARY REALITIES
With the help of David Stark Design and Production, the dinner will be held Thursday night in a translucent South Lawn pavilion decorated with green and saffron, the colors of India’s flag.
“Imagery of India’s national bird, the peacock, and America’s national bird, the bald eagle, will serve as the backdrop to President Biden and Prime Minister Modi’s toasts for the evening,” the White House said. “A longstanding feature in Indian design throughout history and inspired by mandala-style illustrations found in traditional Indian art, the lotus flower is incorporated throughout the decor and tablescapes.”
Here is what the guests will dine on:
First Course
Marinated Millet and Grilled Corn Kernel Salad
Compressed Watermelon
Tangy Avocado Sauce
Main Course
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Creamy Saffron-Infused Risotto
Upon Request
Sumac-Roasted Sea Bass
Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce
Crisped Millet Cakes
Summer Squashes
Dessert
Rose and Cardamom-Infused Strawberry Shortcake
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Wines
Stone Tower Chardonnay “Kristi” 2021
PATEL Red Blend 2019
Domain Carneros Brut Rosé