White House executive chef Cristeta "Cris" Comerford touted the blend of American and British cuisine in the menu for Wednesday's state dinner honoring British Prime Minister David Cameron.
"We're not trying to cook British food, but what the Americans will do is that we'll give you the best of American hospitality by incorporating things that are indicative to England and then giving it a little American nod and American twist," Comerford had said earlier, in a preview of the dinner. "It's a really good pairing of both countries because politics divides men, but food really unites them."
Comerford said that the menu took inspiration from the White House garden, a project promoted by first lady Michelle Obama to encourage healthy living and reduce childhood obesity around the country.
"Although it's wintertime in Washington, D.C., although it's been 70 degrees outside, we have been growing a lot of vegetables," she said.
The chef-in-chief said the main course, Bison Wellington, was "a marriage of the two countries," combing the traditional British Wellington with meat from North Dakota.
Comerford also talked about her role as the first female executive chef at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. She was first appointed to her position in 2005 under then-President George W. Bush.
"It's a really great ceiling that was broken," she said.
Michelle Obama introduced Comerford, praising her for her cooking and barrier-breaking role.
"She is one of the first female executive White House chefs that the White House has ever had. And she cooks for our family, she does all the special occasions, she feeds the nation as they come through the White House. And she is very good at what she does," said Obama on Tuesday, according to the White House.
The star-studded dinner was attended by 362 guests, including actors George Clooney and Damien Lewis, the star of one of Obama’s favorite television shows, “Homeland.” Also in attendance were billionaires Warren Buffett and Richard Branson.
During his toast at the black-tie event, President Obama praised Cameron as “the kind of partner that you want at your side."
Earlier Wednesday the two world leaders sat down together in the Oval Office for a bilateral meeting and later in the day held a joint press conference in the White House Rose Garden. The pair also participated in an American tradition Tuesday night, attending the first game in the NCAA men's championship.
For more on the state dinner on The Hill's Briefing Room blog,
click here. See the official White House state dinner menu below:
First Course
Crisped Halibut with Potato Crust, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Applewood Smoked Bacon
Second Course
Spring Garden Lettuces, Shallot Dressing, Shaved Breakfast Radish, Cucumbers and Avocados
Main Course
Bison Wellington, Red Wine Reduction, French Beans, Cipollini Onion
Dessert
Warm Meyer Lemon Steamed Pudding with Idaho Huckleberry Sauce and Newtown Pippin Apples
