Corporate and diaspora leaders among guests at State Dinner hosted by Bidens for PM Modi

Big names in the tech world, film and fashion industry attended the State Dinner hosted in the honour of PM Modi at the White House on June 22, 2023.

There was saffron on the menu at the  White House on Thursday, June 23, 2023, as U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some 400 guests for a carefully planned  State Dinner  to commemorate the  prime ministerial visit.

With a  main course of stuffed portobello mushrooms in a creamy saffron-infused risotto, Chef Nina Curtis, an expert in plant-based cuisine, led the culinary team, working with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison. Dr Biden, who hosted the media for a preview of the dinner, had developed the three course menu along with the chefs, keeping in mind that Mr. Modi is a vegetarian.

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The first course included marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad – in tune with India’s promotion of millets as part of the United Nations International Year of Millets. For those who wanted a fish option, sumac-roasted sea bass was available upon request. Guests were served rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Even the wine list was a nod to Mr. Modi’s Gujarati roots, and contained a  Patel red blend 2019 (the White House background email had ‘Patel ‘in capital letters). Neither Mr. Modi nor U.S. President Joe Biden drink alcohol, however.

“The good news for both is us, neither of us drinks,” Mr. Biden said, as glasses for the toast were being brought to him and Mr. Modi. “Ginger ale, okay,” he added, joking that his father had told him to toast with his left hand when not using alcohol for the toast.

“Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers. Cheers,” Mr Biden said.