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For Immediate Release
Office of Laura Bush
October 6, 2003
State Dinner Q & A
Fact Sheet: Questions and Answers Regarding the State Dinner in Honor of His Excellency, Mwai Kibaki, Cgh, Mp, President of the Republic of Kenya and Mrs. Lucy Kibaki
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush are honored to host His Excellency, Mwai Kibaki, CGH, MP, President of the Republic of Kenya and Mrs. Lucy Kibaki for a State Dinner on Monday, October 6, 2003.
Who is invited to the State Dinner?
A diverse representation of
guests from across the country, including elected officials, cabinet
members, community leaders, academicians and civic leaders, will
attend. Invitations were created by the White House calligraphers and
mailed beginning in early September. The State Dinner is the result of
two months of planning.
Who prepared the menu?
White House Chef Walter Scheib has served
his creations at the White House for 9 years. Roland Mesnier is the
White House Pastry Chef responsible for creating the dessert. His works
of art have pleased guests and residents for 23 years.
What is the menu?
Guests will enjoy a menu of Grilled Halibut, Bay
Scallop Risotto and Lobster Sauce, served with Shafer Chardonnay "Red
Shoulder" 2001; Roasted Rack of Lamb, Wild Mushrooms and Armagnac
Sauce, Sweet Potato Flan and Autumn Vegetables, served with Soter Pinot
Noir "Beacon Hill" 1999; Avocado and Heirloom Tomato Salad with Toasted
Cumin Dressing. For dessert, guests will be served Arabica Ice Cream
and Coffee Liquor Parfait, Caramelized Banana and Pineapple served with
Honig Sauvignon Blanc "Late Harvest" 2002.
Where does the dinner take place?
The dinner will take place in
the State Dining Room on the State Floor, following a reception in the
East Room of the State Floor. Entertainment will also take place in
the East Room. The guest receiving line will take place in the Blue
Room.
How many guests will be in attendance?
One hundred thirty guests
will be seated in the State Dining Room.
How are guests seated?
A member of the Bush Administration will
serve as the table host at each of the 13 tables. A member of the
Kenyan delegation sits to the table host's right. Traditionally,
couples are seated at different tables.
What are the floral arrangements?
Chief Florist Nancy Clarke, who
has worked in the White House Flower Shop for more than 20 years,
worked with Mrs. Bush to select centerpieces and arrangements of peach
and coral roses and peach vallota lilies in crystal pedestal bowls.
How are the table settings decorated?
Melon Damask tablecloths
will cover the thirteen tables. Each table will be adorned with the
Clinton China, which is ivory with a gold rim, and features a vignette
of the White House; the Vermeil Flatware; the President's House crystal
pattern; and crystal candlesticks, with ivory colored tapers, will be
used at each table.
What is the itinerary for entertainment?
Who designed Mrs. Bush's evening gown?
Mrs. Bush will wear a
coral-colored evening gown designed by Arnold Scaasi.
Who are the Social Secretaries?
The Social Secretary is Catherine
Fenton. Mrs. Fenton served as Deputy Social Secretary for President
Reagan for five years and to former President Bush for four years. Her
deputy is Jeanie Figg who served in President Reagan's and former
President Bush's office.
When was the last State Dinner hosted for the President of the
Republic of Kenya?
President Jimmy Carter hosted a State Dinner for
President Moi during his visit to Washington, D.C. on February 20,
1980.
How many State Dinners have President and Mrs. Bush hosted?
The
Kenya State Dinner is the fourth of the Administration. The other
three were for the Philippines in May 2003, Poland in July 2002 and
Mexico in September 2001.
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