Fine China, Jazz Music, and Barack-omole at White House State Dinner

President Obama greets guests during the White House Kids State Dinner. (All photos: Cassie Carothers)

The tables were perfectly set and decorated with bright centerpieces made of radishes, tomatoes, and Brussels sprouts.

The sounds of a jazz band playing the Disney classic “Some Day My Prince Will Come” floated into the room amid the clatter of silver against White House bone china.

And on each chair was a green foam finger splashed with the “Let’s Move” slogan. Some guests waved them in the air, while others used them as booster seats, the better to reach the blueberry smoothies in front of them.

PHOTOS: These Recipes Landed 8 Kids a Spot at a White House State Dinner

This was not your typical state dinner. A state dinner, yes, but there were no international dignitaries in attendance. Instead, there were 55 children, one from each U.S. state and territory. This was the Kids State Dinner, hosted by first lady Michelle Obama.

First Lady Michelle Obama greets guests at the Kids State Dinner.

The children had won the Healthy Lunch Contest, a competition sponsored by the first lady’s Let’s Move program, PBS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Education and designed to inspire young ones to create their own recipes. Nearly 1,000 children had entered. “After countless hours of taste testing, [we decided] your meals were the healthiest, tastiest, and best to eat," she said. "You can cook, you look good, and you’re here at the White House.”

The first lady named her favorite recipe titles (Mango Cango Chicken, Fizzle Sizzle Stir Fry, and Sam’s Savory Southern Salmon Supreme) before talking about the inspiration behind the dishes. Sports was a big factor, as some of the children mentioned the desire to be healthier for their athletic activities, as was family time.

Interestingly, a number of children were motivated by the unhealthy eating habits they had observed in their homes and communities. “It’s important to teach my friends what healthy food looks like,” wrote Izzy Washburn, one of the young winners.

Centerpieces made of cherry tomatoes, radishes, and brussels sprouts adorned each table.

“Those are wise words from a teeny, tiny person,” said the first lady.  She wished everyone “bon appétit” when suddenly, from the back corner of the room, President Barack Obama ran into the room and took the stage to a standing ovation.

“I wanted to just let everyone know that while I can’t stay and eat right now, I looked over the menu and the food looks outstanding,” he said. “Particularly the Barack-amole. I also noticed there are a lot of good vegetables, including my favorite vegetable, broccoli. Does anyone else love broccoli?” Several hands shot into the air. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

The president then implored the children to be a positive influence on their friends.

“And [what helps] get young people to eat healthy is when their friends at school are all like, ‘Oh, you’re having chips. I’m sorry, I’m having the Barack-amole. And because you’re a cool kid, then all the kids are like, ‘He’s having the Barack-amole, so am I.’ You guys are setting a great example for all your friends in school and in the neighborhoods.”

The president then walked around the room, shaking hands and talking to each child and parent, asking them where they’re from and what inspired their recipes.

Finally, it was time to eat. The first course was Mediterranean Rockin’ Roasted Vegetables in Cool Cucumber Boats, created by Anna Ganser, 10, of Wisconsin, served with Vegetable Confetti Spring Rolls by Timothy Burke, 8, of Washington, D.C. Then came the California Rainbow Taco with Mic-Kale Obama Slaw and Barack-amole by Aria Pelaez, 9, of California, served with Oodles of Zoodles with Avocado Pistachio Pesto by Nia Thomas, 10, of Arizona. Dessert was Aloha Sorbet by Luca Casano, 11, of Hawaii.

Guests dine in the East Room of the White House during the Kids State Dinner.

After “dinner” (the meal was served at 12 p.m.), guests were treated to a performance by the Broadway cast of the musical “Aladdin” and a tour of the culinary garden where herbs and vegetables are grown for the White House kitchen.

So what did the kids make of this once-in-a-lifetime event?

Julia Rissberger, 11, of New York, whose Spinach and Apple Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette and Whole Grain Cheese Pennies landed her a spot at the lunch, said her favorite part was when President Obama barged into the lunch and yelled, “Hold it!”

And who is Rissberger’s favorite chef?

“I really don’t have a favorite TV chef,” she said. “Pretty much anybody who has changed the world with their cooking — that’s who I look up to.”