A state banquet is one of the protocol highlights of a state visit. Yesterday evening, US President Joe Biden hosted such a glamorous dinner in the White House for the first time during his term of office – for French President Emmanuel Macron. The two presidents celebrated the partnership between their countries.
Several hundred invited guests were there, including some celebrities who do not belong to the political universe: such as the singer John Legend and his wife, the model Chrissy Teigen, or the actresses Jennifer Garner and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Jazz and soul musician Jon Batiste was there for a performance.
Lobster from Maine, wine from California
The boss of the fashion magazine “Vogue”, Anna Wintour, appeared as usual with sunglasses – an otherwise rather unusual accessory at a state dinner. When asked by journalists how many guests would be wearing his models that evening, luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin replied: “I have no idea, but let me check.”
A state banquet is also a logistical act of violence: a huge festive pavilion was erected on the south lawn of the government headquarters for the dinner. The White House said it spent six months working on the dinner menu and had dozens of chefs on hand yesterday. The menu featured American specialties, including Maine lobster and wine from California’s Napa Valley. And: American cheese – of all things. The French pride themselves on their cheese, the Americans are less known for greater talent at this point.
