This photograph was taken during a State Dinner held on the South Lawn on March 26, 1979. President Jimmy Carter held the dinner to honor President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel, who were at the White House to sign a historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. With 1,340 guests, at the time it was the largest sit-down dinner ever recorded in White House history. The dinner featured a seafood mousse, strip sirloin with spring vegetables, and a rich hazelnut-chocolate mousse for dessert. In addition, 110 kosher meals were delivered by a local caterer. On less hectic occasions where kosher food is required, a rabbi visits the White House Kitchen to ensure food preparation areas meet kosher standards.

This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Henry Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987, during the presidencies of Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.