Speaking informally with the media at a reception hosted for him and the Indian diaspora here last evening by the Indian High Commissioner, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said that his evening with the Obamas at the state dinner in Washington on November 24 was "magnificent".

He said he "was never going to forget the evening all my life".

He also said he deeply appreciated the warmth and meticulous planning that the Obamas had put for the evening.

He was also appreciative of the thought that went into preparing the guest list and the fact "that people of Indian origin" were there in such large numbers, made him "very proud"

Gursharan Kaur, the Prime Minister''s wife said: "It was wonderful" when asked about the state dinner

The menu served at the White House was almost totally vegetarian.

Prepared by award-winning Ethiopian-Swiss Chef Marcus Samuelsson along with White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, it featured foods like Red Lentil Soup and Roasted Potato Dumplings.

The Singhs are considered to be an "abstemious vegetarians".

The menu was as follows: Potato and Eggplant Salad; White House Arugula with Onion Seed Vinaigrette;

Red Lentil Soup with Fresh Cheese; Roasted Potato Dumplings with Tomato Chutney; Chick Peas and Okra; Green Curry Prawns; Caramelized Salsify with smoked Collard Greens and Coconut Aged Basmati;

Dessert included Pumpkin Pie Tart; Pear Tatin; Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce, Sparkling Chardonnay; Petis Fours and Coffee; Cashew Brittle; Pecan Pralines; Passion Fruit and Vanilla Glaces Chocolate-Dipped Fruit.

The 320-person guest list at Tuesday’s event was in some ways a traditional amalgam of politicians, diplomats, celebrities and heavyweight presidential campaign donors.

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