President William Ruto on Tuesday hosted a State banquet in honour of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.
The plated menu had eight-course meals accompanied by a drink of the guests’ choice.
For the amuse bouche (savory items served as appetizers), beetroot carpaccio and goat cheese foam with hazelnut crumble was served. This was followed by a soup dish of cream of roasted butternut, chestnut and truffle.
For the third dish, Ruto served Malindi lobster and seared seafood ravioli flavorful creamy bisque. Sherry reduction was also drizzled on the dish. A meat dish was served as the fourth course. The high table was served with chicken wellington while other tables were served with beef wellington, chateau potatoes with minted asparagus. Red wine and mustard reduction accompanied the meal.
For the fifth course, State House served a dessert symphony consisting of a “visually stunning dessert plate with miniature portions of Kenyan and British inspired desserts, Sarova chocolate cake, earl grey tea crumble, ivory and ebony mousse.”
A fish course was also served at the banquet whereby guests had pan seared salmon with champagne beurre blanc. The following course was a serving of watercress and stilton salad with candied apples and walnuts. A palate cleanser of lemon and raspberry sorbet was also served
The final course was made up of petit fours including chocolate truffles and macaroons; and freshly brewed Kenyan coffee or tea.
For entertainment, guests were entertained by Chris Odero, popularly known as Makadem who performed several benga songs in the Luo language.
Barissa Dhidha, a Kenyatta University senior cultural music instructor also provided entertainment when he performed coastal music. The Bomas of Kenya ensemble also presented renditions of Bukusu, Giriama and Swahili communities’ music.
The Maa cultural dance troupe also showcased Maasai cultural activities through songs, dances and celebrations of rites of passage.
To wind down the entertainment segment, the Presidential Escort Unite Jazz Band which consists of police officers pulled from the Kenya Police Band and Presidential Escort unit performed a medley of popular Kenyan music.
