First Lady Pool Reports of November 12, 2024

FLOTUS pool report #1 - Culinary Arts in Diplomacy Reception

Greetings from the East Room where FLOTUS is hosting the Culinary Arts in Diplomacy Reception.

There are a few hundred people here including some of the chefs who are part of the program.

FLOTUS speaking shortly and it's on White House Live: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

Pooler will send notable quotes and color.

REPORTABLE BACKGROUND FROM THE OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY | November 12, 2024
Today, November 12th, First Lady Jill Biden will host a reception celebrating culinary arts in diplomacy. The event will highlight the State Department's Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, and will include the foreign Diplomatic Corps, and chefs and culinary community members from across the country. This event will be livestreamed at whitehouse.gov/live at 5:30 PM ET.

Remarks Program:

• Ethan Rosenzweig, Acting Chief of Protocol of the United States
• Clare Reichenbach, Chief Executive Officer, James Beard Foundation
• First Lady Jill Biden

Attendees include members of the foreign Diplomatic Corps, culinary leaders from across the country, and members of the State Department's American Culinary Corps. Notable members of the culinary community in attendance include:

• Katie Button, Chef and Founder, Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate; Guest Chef for Australia State Dinner
• Cristeta Comerford, Former White House Executive Chef
• Robert Irvine, Chef and Founder, Robert Irvine Foundation
• Rita Sodi, Chef and Co-Founder, Officina 1397
• Jody Williams, Chef and Co-Founder, Officina 1397

Background on the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership
The Diplomatic Culinary Partnership embraces and utilizes food, hospitality, and the dining experience as diplomatic tools to engage foreign dignitaries, bridge cultures, and strengthen relationships with civil society.

In partnership with the James Beard Foundation, the Department of State curated the American Culinary Corps, a network of more than 80 of the United States' influential chefs and culinary professionals who participate in programs and events on behalf of the Department of State in the United States and abroad to foster cross-cultural exchange.

FLOTUS pool report #2 - FLOTUS remarks

FLOTUS, in her remarks, talked about her recent trip to Asheville, N.C. where she met with Chefs Jose Andres and Katie Button and those affected by the hurricane.

She also mentioned she and POTUS are wrapping up their time in the White House and they have savored every moment.

FLOTUS: "Food is love. It's my sisters and me bursting into my grandma's house in South Jersey every Sunday as pots of sauce simmered on her stove. It's my mother always putting fresh flowers on the table, picked from her garden. Even if we were - just as we actually were - eating fish sticks. And it's my Italian American family teaching me to never waste an opportunity to invite more people to the table."

"And just a few weeks ago, I saw that gift unfold while working with Jose Andres Katie and the other chefs in Asheville, North Carolina. They cooked for thousands trying to rebuild after the hurricane that swept through their community. So I was down there with them, and we were stirring up these huge vats of beans and I watched as the food gave people hope, and, even amid the devastation, they had a reason to feel a little less alone, to know that their community was there for them because they had a meal made with love. And that connection is what diplomacy is about as well."

"It's not only government to government relationships. It's people to people, heart to heart. And I've seen that these last few years at the White House, with every state dinner, with every reception, with the James Beard curated chefs who helped us bring first spouses together during the UN General Assembly. You know, in those moments, food helps us tell the stories of our countries in all their flavors and notes."

FLOTUS brought up former White House executive chef Cris Comerford for special recognition. Comerford retired this year.

"Cris - you've helped so many first families weave together diplomacy and food. And Joe and I are so grateful that we got to be a part of your time here. And Cris once said about cooking, 'In America, we play Jazz.' And that's what our American Culinary corps does in their kitchens. You show the world who we are as Americans in all our precious differences and infinite similarities. You innovate and you improvise. You discover new rhythms and perfect your own special techniques, bringing together the cultures and communities that make this country great."

"It's been the honor of my lifetime to serve as First Lady and do that work alongside you. And as Joe and I begin our final months here, I know we will see so many of you again as we continue to build our tomorrows together. With all of my heart and on behalf of my husband, thank you for helping us reach toward the safe and peaceful world we all dream of, and let us keep coming together side by side at our shared table with understanding and open hearts, savoring every moment and all the love they hold."

As Dr. B left the stage she told guests "We can have a drink now."

She was surrounded for selfies after her remarks. Agents pulled her behind a rope line set up alongside the back wall of the East Room so she could talk with guests and take pics that way.

Note Chef Katie Button and former Michelle Obama chief of staff Tina Tchen were among the guests your pooler recognized.

The atmosphere was the festive. The Marine Band was in the entryway, playing jazz music. Guests came into the East Room down the hall from the State Dining Room where there was a reception with food and drinks. Lots of guests were holding wine glasses.

As the sun set, the main lights in the East Room were turned down and the chandeliers came on. FLOTUS departed at 5:48 pm. Pool was pulled but the reception continued.

That's a wrap folks.