Arla's Lunch at the White House

Arla sat at Table 4

By Madie Murray
Community Journalist

August 20, 2012 was a big day for 9-year-old Arla Sutton who was one of 54 students ages 8 to 12 winning a trip to the White House to attend the very first “Kids’ State Dinner” hosted by the First Lady, Michelle Obama. Her recipe for Salad Noodle Wraps won over all other entries in the entire state of Washington.

The trip included a tour of the White House Garden where pumpkins and watermelons were growing and a beehive produced honey they could taste. The kids were also taken by bus to the Smithsonian to see the Julia Child exhibit; and, of course, it was all topped off with an incredible lunch at the White House featuring many of the winning recipes on the menu.

Lunch was served on Reagan China

“When I walked into the White House, I really liked all the pictures of the Presidents and the windows were really big and there were designs on the ceiling,” Arla recalls when she and her mother, Kate Long, arrived for the big occasion. “Then we walked down a hallway to the press room and every kid that walked in had a surprised face because there were so many press people there!”

Arla was even selected to be one of eight winners interviewed by the White House Chef, Sam Kass which was streamed live during the event on the White House web site (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7lW6Aiaugc; Arla is at 33.00).

Arla’s interview with Chef Sam Kass

Before lunch began, all the kids got a hug from Mrs. Obama, who is “really nice,” according to Arla, and about half way through lunch, Mrs. Obama said, “I have a minor announcement to make…” then the President of the United States of America walked in and the room was filled with surprise and applause. “He walked around to every table and personally shook everyone’s hand.” That was a big moment for Arla, especially since she and her family had gone to his inauguration. At that event, Arla was too far away to get up close and personal, so this was truly the icing on the cake.

Arla’s best recollection of the luncheon centered, of course, around food. “The appetizer table was amazing,” she said. “It had dishes with fruits and herbs and mini smoothies with toothpicks and a berry on them.” It was right in the middle of the room so everyone could nibble at will.