A spotlight on locally sourced vegetables in a menu "conceived by" First Lady & Top Toque...In a video filmed today in the very busy White House kitchen, Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford talks about tonight's menu for the State Dinner in honor of President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea. The menu was "conceived by" First Lady Michelle Obama and Comerford, according to the White House. Click here for a full post about the menu. (Above: Comerford holds green and red lettuces from the Kitchen Garden, used in the second-course salad).
Comerford discusses local and regional sourcing for the ingredients--produce from Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden, Wagyu rib-eye steaks from an unnamed Texas cattle ranch--and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how she pulls together a lavish diplomatic event for more than 200 guests.
Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses is also in the video, and he talks about his decadent dessert, "Chocolate Malt Devils Food Layers." Click here for a post about the place settings and East Room decor. The full guest list is here and a video of guest arrivals is here.
State Dinner Menu
In Honor Of
President Lee Myung-bak
President Lee Myung-bak
First Course
Butternut Squash Bisque,
Honey Poached Cranberries, Virginia Cured Ham
Pumpkin Seed Praline, Crème Fraiche
Second Course
Early Fall Harvest Salad on Daikon Sheets
Masago Rice Pearl Crispies
Rice Wine Vinaigrette
Main Course
Texas Wagyu Beef, Orange-Ginger Fondue
Sauteed Kale, Roasted Kabocha Squash
Dessert
Chocolate Malt Devils Food Layers
With Pear and Almond Brittle