Melania Trump takes China's first lady on a museum outing that's watched for diplomacy and style

Culinary diplomacy is on the agenda for President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their state dinner at the White House on Thursday. The menu, crafted by the First Lady Melania Trump, incorporates American ingredients with subtle Chinese influences, symbolizing the culinary traditions of both nations. Guests, including business leaders and government officials, dressed in traditional Chinese attire alongside western suits, participated in a toast using California blanc de noir wine, echoing the historic 1972 "Toast to Peace" between President Richard Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai.

The menu features dishes such as yellow squash veloute, sesame-crusted sea bass, and a vanilla cremeux dessert, accompanied by ice cream made with White House honey. The event also highlights the cultural significance of red in Chinese history, with red linen, flowers, and vermeil tableware.

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