Lea Salonga, chef Edward Lee invited to White House state dinner with S. Korean President Yoon
April 24, 2023
Broadway star Lea Salonga and chef Edward Lee have been invited to the White House for the state dinner with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Salonga, an award-winning actress and singer, is best known for her Tony-winning role in “Miss Saigon.” She was also the singing voice for Disney characters Princess Jasmine from “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan for “Mulan” and “Mulan II.”
Joining Salonga are two other Broadway powerhouses: former “Wicked” star Jessica Vosk and Tony nominee Norm Lewis.
Meanwhile, chef Lee was personally selected by First Lady Jill Biden for his Korean-influenced Southern American cuisine.
Lee won a James Beard Award for his cookbook “Buttermilk Graffiti,” is the owner of 610 Magnolia restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, and is culinary director for Washington, D.C. restaurant Succotash.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Lee discussed the pressures of cooking at the event, saying, “I’ve been on ‘Top Chef,’ where I’ve had to cook for some very high-powered chefs who were critiquing my food, and this was probably more pressure than the TV show.”
Lee worked alongside White House chef Cristeta Comerford to develop the menu, which will be announced on Monday.
“Korean food and American food can merge together and create this beautiful hybrid that is unique and delicious,” he said.
Taking place on Wednesday, the dinner is hosted by First Lady Jill Biden and will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and South Korea.
The night before, Yoon and the Bidens will visit the Korean War Memorial.
Salonga and Lee’s invitations are the latest update regarding the state dinner with Yoon. Lady Gaga and BLACKPINK were reportedly invited as musical guests, but miscommunication and scheduling conflicts have impeded their appearance from happening.
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