Millet Cakes, Stuffed Mushrooms, Tangy Avocado Sauce: See White House State Dinner Menu for PM Modi

Washington DC: Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to promote millets, Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States of America, has included millet-based dishes at the state dinner hosted in her honour. First Lady Jill Biden worked with guest chef Nina Curtis, White House executive chef Chris Comerford and White House executive pastry chef Susie Morrison to develop the menu for the state dinner.

The first course includes Marinated Millet and Grilled Corn Kernel Salad; Compressed Watermelon and Tangy Avocado Sauce. While the main course includes Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms and Creamy Saffron-Infused Risotto. There’s also sumac-roasted sea bass; Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce; Crunchy Millet Cakes and Summer Squash.

Millet-Inspired Menu

Recognizing the importance of millets and providing nutritious food to people as well as creating domestic and global demand, the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets at the behest of the Government of India. PM Modi’s campaign to promote ‘Shri Anna’ will meet the nutritional needs of crores of people around the world.

Apart from being good for health, millet is also considered beneficial for farmers and environment-friendly. Millets are energy rich, drought resistant, require less water and can be easily grown in dry soils and hilly areas and are less susceptible to pests.

Giving details about the state dinner that will be hosted for PM Modi, the First Lady said, “Tomorrow night, the guests will move to a pavilion decked out in green on the South Lawn, with saffron-coloured flowers on every table – K color Indian flag.”

As part of the official state visit to the United States, First Lady Jill Biden will host PM Modi for an event highlighting career education and workforce training programs. “After dinner, we will have the opportunity to hear one of our country’s incredible talents – Grammy Award winner Joshua Bell. His performance will be followed by Penn Masala – a South Asian acapella group from the University of Pennsylvania, who will perform a small part Bringing .. my hometown to the White House with songs inspired by the sound of India..,” said Jill Biden.

After his brief remarks, Chef Curtis, White House Executive Chef Chris Comerford, and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison presented dishes from the menu.

Who is Chef Nina Curtis?

Chef Nina Curtis is a culinary artist based in Sacramento, CA, known for her exceptional skill and creativity in plant-based cuisine. Chef Curtis’ passion for plant-based cuisine spans more than two decades of serving in key roles including Culinary Director and Executive Chef positions.

Chef Curtis is known for mentoring budding chefs around the world for seasonal and garden-to-table cuisine and for helping others create plant-based culinary experiences.

The First Lady and Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo worked with a design firm called David Stark Design & Production to assist with the design and guest experience for the dinner.

decorative elements

The decorations include elements that honor the tradition and cultures of America and India, including the state flag of India. The state dinner will take place in a pavilion on the South Lawn draped in green and saffron, honoring the colors of the Indian flag and their strength and heritage.

Peacock and Bald Eagle: Images of India’s national bird, the peacock, and America’s national bird, the bald eagle, will serve as the backdrop for President Biden and Prime Minister Modi for the evening.

Lotus blooms: A longstanding feature in Indian design throughout history and inspired by mandala-style depictions found in traditional Indian art, the lotus flower has been incorporated into decorations and tablescapes.

symbolic view of washington: Through the translucent pavilion structure, guests will be surrounded by views of the iconic symbols of our nation, our democracy, and our history: the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Musical Performances: After dinner, guests will enjoy a musical selection from the following artists: Joshua Bell, American violinist and conductor. Joshua Bell is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, soloist, instrumentalist, chamber composer and conductor, and is currently the Music Director of the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields.

Highlights of Bell’s 2023-24 season include an international tour of his newly-formed project, The Elements, featuring works by renowned living composers.

South Asian a cappella group Penn Masala will also perform at the event. They are known for original compositions and harmonies that transcend traditions and reflect the experience of growing up with both Eastern and Western cultures. Penn Masala has performed worldwide including at the Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) Awards.

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra will also perform at the event. For more than two centuries, the United States Marine Band has been a part of events that have shaped the nation. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization and made its debut at the White House on New Year’s Day in 1801.