The “fullness of spring” will be the theme of President Biden’s state dinner for Japan on Wednesday evening, an event featuring decorations of cherry blossoms and peonies and an appearance by Paul Simon.
Jill Biden, the first lady, and White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo previewed the menu and decor before dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife. It will be the fifth state dinner of Mr. Biden’s term.
Upon entering the East Wing, guests encounter a wall of oversized compartments that fall to the floor, a work of art and a metaphor in which “the small end represents the beginning of life and each fold represents the many paths our lives can take “said Mr. Elizondo said.
The meal includes house-made salmon with shiso leaf tempura (reminiscent of a California roll) and dry-aged ribeye with Oregon morels and shishito pepper butter. Salted caramel pistachio cake and cherry ice cream are served for dessert.
Dr. Biden said the dinner was designed with spring in Washington in mind and that the decorations would evoke a garden of her favorite flowers, including sweet peas, roses and peonies.
“As guests sit among the flower fields, glass and silk butterflies from both our countries dance across the tables,” said Dr. Biden told reporters on Tuesday.
The dinner will also feature Washington’s cherry trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, which serve as a “remembrance of Japan’s gift to our nation’s capital and the bright future of our partnership,” Elizondo said.
White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford said the dinner featured ingredients from around the country.
Mr. Simon will appear after dinner. Mr Biden will also present Mr Kishida with a two-volume LP set signed by Billy Joel and a vintage record collection featuring other American musicians, the White House announced on Tuesday.
To conclude the evening, guests exit a path filled with hydrangeas, a flower selection common to both the United States and Japan.
The guest list is typically released by the White House shortly before arrivals begin, but the Biden administration typically invites prominent members of the host country, donors, administration officials and members of the Biden family.
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2024-04-10 02:21:03
www.nytimes.com
