WASHINGTON: It's a bold gambit by the Americans to meet the French in an arena that they have long been masters of excellence: wine and cheese.
Such is First Lady Jill Biden's sang-froid that she will offer America's best to French President Emmanuel Macron and his entourage at a lavish White House dinner on December 1 - just one of the elaborate details and valuable gifts that form part of the diplomatic dance surrounding this state visit.
The US president's wife revealed the setting and menu for the night's gala dinner, as the Elysee Palace unveiled a list of gifts that Macron will offer his American counterpart, Joe Biden, including a luxurious Christofle cup.
It will be served in the gardens, under a large tent, on tables laden with candlesticks and flowers in the colours of the two countries.
Lobster will feature 200 live shellfish on their last trip to Washington - along with beef, squash from the White House garden and cake, among other delicacies.
The First Lady insists on serving American cheeses, including a blue cheese from northwestern Oregon that was the first American product to win the World Cheese Championships in 2019.
The toasts will be served with an American sparkling wine, though in glasses made in France.