Official State Visit of President Hu Jintao of China

Balancing Economic Relations and Human Rights  ...9 of 12 >
January 19, 2011--Preparations were well underway for the State Dinner. 
According to the program "At the request of the Chinese Delegation, the White House  has arranged a 'quintessentially American" evening, complete with a menu, decor, and entertainment that reflect some of the nation's most recognizable offerings." 

Guests started with D'Anjou Pear Salad with Farmstead Goat Cheese, Fennel, Black Walnuts, and White Balsamic.  Next came Poached Maine Lobster accompanied by Orange Glazed Carrots and Black Trumpet Mushrooms; the wine was Dumol Chardonnay "Russian River" 2008.  After some Lemon Sorbet, guests feasted on Dry Aged Rib Eye with Buttermilk Crisp Onions accompanied by Double Stuffed Potatoes and Creamed Spinach; the wine was Quilceda Creek Cabernet "Columbia Valley" 2005.  To conclude they enjoyed Old Fashioned Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream; and the wine was Poet's Leap Riesling "Botrytis" 2008. 

[transcript of toasts]

For entertainment, there was "An Evening of Jazz" featuring Chris Botti, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Herbie Hancock, Lang Lang, Dianne Reeves and the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz.

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