First Lady Michelle Obama, Desiree Rogers preview White House dinner tonight. Menu. Pool reports(3)

Below, from the White House...

Participants in Governor's Dinner Preview Event


L'Academie de Cuisine Students:
The students chosen by L'Academie de Cuisine to participate in today's event rank in the top of their class.
Patricia Alonso
Erika Anderson
Kaitlin Giuffre
Carolyn Jenkins
Margaret Long
Meaghan McDonnell

L'Academie de Cuisine Staff:
Francois Marie-Jacques Dionot (Founder and Director)
Catherine M. Rhine (Instructor)



Menu for Governor's Dinner


Chesapeake Crab Agnolottis with Roasted Sunchokes
Wine pairing: Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California)

Wagyu Beef and Nantucket Scallops with Glazed Red Carrots, Portobello Mushroom and Creamed Spinach
Wine pairing: Archery Summit Pinot Noir "Estate" 2004 (Oregon)

Winter Citrus Salad with Pistachios and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette

Huckleberry Cobbler with Caramel Ice Cream
Wine pairing: Black Star Famrs "A Capella" Riesling Ice Wine 2007 (Michigan)



Setting Details for Governor's Dinner


Centerpieces:

The three types of gilded metal stands, six in bronze and two in silver, feature the classical female figures known as the Three Graces, the Greek goddesses who presided over banquets, dances, and all other pleasurable social events, and brought joy and goodwill to both gods and mortals.

Set of Three Baskets: The most historic are the gilded bronze baskets - one taller and a shorter pair - purchased in France in 1817 by the U.S. Government for the refurnishing of the post-fire White House under President James Monroe. They are attributed to Denière et Matelin, Paris.

Set of Three Baskets: A second set of gilded bronze baskets - the taller example on the north wall pier20table and the shorter pair on the tables - are contemporary French pieces, c.1815-1820, with the female figures having wings. They once belonged to Gifford Pinchot, first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, who rose to prominence under the patronage of President Theodore Roosevelt. They were a gift to the White in 1973 from a descendent.

Pair of Dessert Stands: The pair of shorter stands in gilded silver were made in London, c.1808-1813, by Paul Storr, the most famous silversmith of Regency England. These stands are from the Biddle vermeil collection received by the White House in 1957.


Flowers:

Flower bouquets of deep reds and burgundies will be set including roses, black callas, orchids, tulips and gardenia foliage.


China:

Woodrow Wilson State Service: In 1918 the White House acquired the first service of state china made in the United States. Lenox, Inc., Trenton, New Jersey, made a set20with a cream-colored rim with a gilt band called "stars and stripes" and a gilt Presidential Coat-of-Arms.

World's Fair Service: At the close of the New York World's Fair of 1939-40, the
tableware used at the United States Pavilion was transferred to the White House for continued use. Decorated with the Great Seal of the United States, the service plates were made by Lenox, Inc., Trenton, New Jersey, while the other types of plates were made by Theodore Haviland of New York.

State Department Service: The "stars and stripes" border used by Lenox on20the 1918
Woodrow Wilson White House service has been repeated on china commissioned from several manufacturers for use in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the Department of State. This assembled service is decorated with the Great Seal of the United States, an emblem for which the State Department keeps the official dies.


Glassware:

Kennedy Glass Service: a simple pattern known as "President's House" was fir st purchased for the White House in 1961 from the Morgantown Glass Works of Morgantown, West Virginia. Since that time, additional glass has been provided by the Fostoria Glass Co. and Lenox.

World's Fair Glass Service: At the close of the New York World's Fair of 1939-40, the tableware used at the United States Pavilion was transferred to the White House for continued use. An Art Deco service of glassware had been made by Libbey Glass Company of Toledo, Ohio using its "Embassy" pattern, with flat reeded stems, engraved with an eagle surmounted by stars.


Silver Flatware:

"King Charles" Flatware: In 1974, the White House acquired 130 place settings of the well-known Providence manufacturer, Gorham, Inc., then called its "King Charles" pattern (patented in 1893 as "King George"). This flatware is of a rather elaborate 18th-century pattern, variations of which have been made by several companies under the "King" designation. In 2006, Lenox, Inc., then owner of the Gorham molds, was commissioned to make another 170 place settings for the White House.