Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first official state visit to the US, is set to attend a State Dinner hosted by the Joe and Jill Biden on Thursday, at the South Lawn of the White House, which is expected to be attended by 400 guests.
Ahead of the scheduled dinner, Jill Biden briefed the media on details of the elaborate arrangements made for the prime miniser. From the dinner theme being inspired by the Indian national bird peacock, to decor that signifies the country's tricolour, the state dinner is expected to have a touch of Indian heritage in every aspect.
What's in the menu?
Jill Biden said that she had asked Chef Nina Curtis -- who specialises in plant-based cuisine -- to work with the White House staff and create a "stunning vegetarian menu" as PM Modi is a vegetarian. However, guests will have the option to add fish to their main course as well.
Some millet-based dishes will also be included in the menu, inspired by PM Modi's call to include them as part of the White House dinner. India is leading the efforts to celebrate the International Year of Millets this year, after its proposal for the same was accepted by the United Nations.
First course: Marinated millet, grilled corn kernel salad, compressed watermelon, tangy avocado sauce.
Main course: Stuffed portobello mushrooms, creamy saffron-infused risotto, sumac roasted sea bass, lemon-dill yogurt sauce, crisped millet cakes, summer squashes.
Dessert: Rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake.
Upon request, guests would be served sumac-roasted sea bass, lemon-dill yoghurt sauce, crisped Millet cakes and summer squashes, according to the menu.
Wines on the list are Stone Tower Chardonnay "Kristi" 2021, PATEL Red Blend 2019 and Domain Carneros Brut Rose.
“We have been working on this (menu for State Dinner) for a few months. We are very excited and the First Lady is very excited, hence I think I have done my job,” says Guest Chef Nina Curtis.
"We are also very excited that India is leading efforts to celebrate the International Year of the Millets. We have incorporated marinated millets into our menu and the Indian cuisine elements throughout the menu," the chef said.
Meanwhile, the venue is also expected to be completely decked up to represent the Indian heritage. Each table at the venue will feature an arrangement of blooms in vases large and small, and the colour of the flowers mirrors the saffron of India's flag and the heritage it represents, White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo said.
Modi arrived in Washington from New York where he led a historic event at the UN Headquarters earlier in the day to commemorate the 9th International Day of Yoga, attended by UN officials, diplomats and prominent personalities.
