Las Vegas chef lends a hand at White House State Dinner

November 25, 2:43 PMLas Vegas Fine Dining ExaminerMark Sherwood

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The Signature at MGM Grand temporarily joined the ranks of the United States White House staff when Executive Chef Uday Huja participated in President Obama’s first-ever White House State Dinner held last night, November 24. Chef Huja was invited to be part of the monumental evening through the close professional relationships he has with White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Executive Sous Chef Tommy Kurpradit.

The evening’s menu featured American cuisine with a nod to Indian tradition in honor of the valuable relationship between the United States and India. Chef Huja took inspiration from his Indian heritage to create an assortment of canapés that were presented to President Obama’s distinguished guests during the reception portion of the night’s event. Delectable bites included Sweet Potato Samosa, Sumac-Crusted Bay Scallops, Chestnut-and-Fava Bean Fritters and Crispy Potato Cakes with Minted Peas.

In addition to the prestigious honor of creating culinary delights for some of the most respected and well-known figures in Washington and Hollywood, Chef Huja also had the opportunity to meet President Obama before the reception. The evening’s guest list included such notable names as Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, singer and actress Jennifer Hudson and filmmakers Steven Spielberg and M. Night Shyamalan.

Signature Executive Chef Uday Huja said, “Taking part in this event was truly the greatest honor of my professional career. I am deeply humbled by the chance to cook at this momentous White House tradition.”

For a limited time, a selection of Chef Huja’s gourmet White House creations will be offered in The Signature at MGM Grand’s Lobby Lounge. Huja has served as the resort’s Executive Chef since 2006. His impeccable culinary skills and epicurean creativity uphold the property’s high standard of excellence. The Signature at MGM Grand features a non-smoking, non-gaming atmosphere unique to typical Las Vegas resorts. Guests can experience “the best of both worlds” – all-suite accommodations within an exclusive, luxury environment, while being just steps away from the “Maximum Vegas” experience at MGM Grand.