Behind the Scenes of the State Dinner

All in all, this dinner was a huge success. For two hours, it felt like I was on an adrenaline rush, as if I had been running the whole time.

After the dinner, the entire cooking team was going to get the opportunity to meet the president and the first lady. I remember feeling very excited. As an immigrant who became a United States citizen, I just felt so much pride for the president when I watched him being sworn in.

It was after 11 p.m. We knew they were exhausted, but they were going to stop by quickly. They were so warm and very gracious. Michael helped me cook the entire meal and was so excited and tired at the same time that when he met the president and the president asked him a question, he responded, "Yes, chef." That is a term we use when addressing the head of the kitchen, but he said that to the president and we all had a good laugh.

After that, around 30 of us, including Sam, headed to a bar to enjoy some nice, cold beers. We were in such a great mood! We were seated at the bar when CNN came on and showed all the guests that were at the dinner. We all looked at the TV and then laughed. It was just an incredible moment.


It's one of those days that when I look back I will never forget.