DUBAI: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Riyadh on Monday in his first visit since 2007, and was welcomed to Al-Yamamah Palace by Saudi King Salman as well as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Russian president sat down to a sumptuous lunch banquet after being welcomed off his plane at King Khalid International Airport by Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar.
And what did the leader of Russia enjoy while in Saudi Arabia? We got the inside scoop on what was served up at the decadent luncheon.
To start things off, diners enjoyed a variety of hot and cold appetizers, which were followed up with a choice of three main courses.
Guests were invited to choose between smoked salmon with asparagus and balsamic sauce, chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy concoction of saffron, turmeric and vegetables and deliciously soft wagyu beef served with purple carrots, orange fruit sauce and a delicate garnish of mountain flowers.
And that wasn’t all — to show off the best Saudi Arabia has to offer, President Putin was also treated to a selection of traditional Saudi dishes, which guests could sample at their leisure.
Sweet-toothed diners then had their moment of glory as the dessert course was served up.
Chocolate mousse with fresh mangos and mango coulis was served alongside a tarte cranberry ice cream — a fun twist on the usual pairing of chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
And for those who wanted a healthier alternative, a variety of fresh fruits were offered to guests.