Tenderloin inasal, lapu-lapu on Obama’s menu

MANILA, Philippines - Tenderloin inasal and pili-crusted lapu-lapu will be on the menu at the state dinner for US President Barack Obama tonight.

Sources at the Palace told The STAR “stylized Filipino food” will be served, including a salad of pako (edible fern) and pochero-style seafood soup.

Entrees are grilled beef tenderloin marinated in lemongrass and turmeric, a take on the Ilonggo specialty chicken inasal, and lapu-lapu (grouper) with a crust of pureed kalabasa (squash) and pili nuts.

Dessert is a refreshing coconut sorbet. The 250-plus guests will take home as souvenir chocolate-covered dried mangoes, a Cebu specialty, in a jute pouch with the presidential seal.

The entrance to Malacañan Palace will be decorated with garlands of sampaguita, which will also line the grand staircase leading up to the Rizal Hall where the dinner will be held. Here the theme will be a bountiful Filipino harvest, with decor consisting of an abundance of fruits, vegetables, grains and grasses.

After dinner entertainment will be a mix of pop, contemporary and light jazz featuring some of the country’s foremost musical artists, including the Philippine Madrigal Singers.