The excitement continues as P.M. Justin Trudeau’s whirlwind visit to Washington D.C. unfolds in all its exciting details. Today looks to be a highlight with the state dinner at the White House, but Trudeau will also be holding some important discussions with President Barack Obama, and making several appearances at other events in the U.S. Capitol. Here’s a rundown of some of the activities, entertainment and foods that will be part of the remainder of the trip. It is interesting to note it has been many years since a Canadian PM was invited for such an event. In fact, it was 19 years ago when Jean and Aline Chrétien were the guests of the Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Thursday
Trudeau’s big day started at about 9 am at the White House at the South Lawn to crowds of onlookers and his first item on the agenda is a meeting with Obama in the Oval Office, where the two leaders and their teams are expected to discuss border crossings, climate change, security and trade. The meeting will be followed by a joint press conference.
First Lady Michelle Obama and the PM’s wife, Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, are also expected to meet to discuss humanitarian causes and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will host the Trudeaus for a luncheon at the State Department this afternoon.
The Trudeaus will return to the White House for dinner in the State Dining Room which holds 120 people, where they’ll join the Obamas and a number of other dignitaries as well as some celebrities.
Entertainment
American singer Sara Bareilles and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel choir will perform her song, “Brave.”
The Menu
The menu will be prepared by White House executive chef Cris Comerford and includes:
- First course: Alaskan halibut “casseroles” with cepes, asparagus, chanterelles, baby onions, and lardon and herbed butter
- Second course: Roasted apricot galette with Appalachian cheese, heirloom lettuces, pine nut crisps (paired with a 2013 Sebastiano Pence Chardonnay)
- Main course: Baby lamb chops with Yukon potato Dauphinoise and a fricassee of spring vegetables (paired with a 2012 Cliff Lede “High Fidelity”)
- Dessert: Maple pecan cake with cocoa nib wafer and butterscotch swirl ice cream (paired with a 2013 Chateau Chantal ice wine)
Friday
Trudeau has two speaking engagements on the schedule. His first stop will be at American University, where he’ll speak to a gathering at the School of International Service at 10:30 a.m and then the PM will speak at a think-tank luncheon at the Mayflower Hotel.
The event will be hosted by Canada2020, Global Progress, and the Center for American Progress and the appearance will include a Q&A session with members of the media in attendance, and is expected to run from noon until 2 p.m.
What do you think about the visit?
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