White House Brings Star Power to State Dinner

The White House has released new details about Wednesday night's state dinner honoring Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Mrs. Margarita Zavala

The dinner will be held in the White House East Room, with the entertainment portion taking place on the South Lawn under a tent.

Mexico was last hosted at a White House state dinner in 2001 by President and Mrs. Bush.

ENTERTAINMENT

Beyoncé, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and the United States Marine Band will perform.

DINNER DECOR

The tables will be covered in Mayan blue linens, which the White House says resemble ripples of water.

The centerpieces contain Yve Piaget garden roses, Amnesia Roses, and Fuchsia Cattleya orchids, as well as scented geranium foliage and prickly pear cactus.

The featured china comes from the White House's Clinton collection from 2000 and the Eisenhower collection from 1955.

PERFORMANCE DECOR

The South Lawn tables are decorated in shades of orange and green, with centerpieces made up of marzipan and chocolate flowers. The flowers are made into marzipan roses, the national flower of America, and dahlias, the national flower of Mexico.

Mrs. Obama worked with Guest Chef Rick Bayless and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford to create the menu, which includes produce harvested from the first lady's garden. The desserts were made with honey made at the White House.

Jicama with Oranges, Grapefruit, and Pineapple

Citrus Vinaigrette

Ulises Valdez Chardonnay 2007 "Russian River"

Herb Green Ceviche of Hawaiian Opah

Sesame-Cilantro Cracker

Oregon Wagyu Beef in Oaxacan Black Mole

Black Bean Tamalon and Grilled Green Beans

Herrera Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 "Selección Rebecca"

Chocolate-Cajeta Tart

Toasted Homemade Marshmallows

Graham Cracker Crumble and Goat Cheese Ice Cream

Mumm Napa "Carlos Santana Brut" N/V