Staff are preparing for the welcome dinner hosting the visiting Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping in Des Moines, the Iowa capitol Feb 15, 2012.[Photo/Sun Peng]

DES MOINES, Iowa - The carefully designed dinner menu highlighting Iowa's best produce is waiting for the visiting Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping at the State Capitol. On Wednesday evening, about 650 guests will attend the welcome dinner for the Chinese leader, who returns to the American heartland after his first trip in 1985.

The guest list shows the governors from the Midwest states, Iowa state officials, representatives from businesses and the Chinese community as well as 160 members from the Chinese delegation, according to an inside source.

Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds released the full menu slated for tonight’s welcome dinner with Xi Wednesday morning. The menu features Iowa cuisine from start to finish, showcasing some of the best food and beverages Iowa has to offer.

The meal will follow an 8 pm toast from both Branstad and Xi.

The Midwestern state, which calls itself the "food capital of the world," is located in the center of the corn belt. It ranks first nationally in corn, soybeans, hogs, eggs and ethanol, according to the Iowa Farm Bureau.

The menu for tonight’s dinner is as follows:

“A Taste of Iowa Menu”

Passed Canapes

BLT. Bites (Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato)

Smoked Trout w/Midwest Cranberry Compote

First Course

Edamame & Corn Salad

Carrot Ginger Terrine, La Quercia Prosciutto Rosette

South Union Bread

Main Course

Medallions of Eden Farms Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin w/Cider & Green Peppercorns & Certified Angus Beef

Tenderloin w/Demi Glaze & Onion Ring Maytag White Cheddar Stuffed Twice Baked New Potatoes

Curried Butternut Squash Sauté

Dessert

Crème Apple Pie Cupcake w/ Iowa Maple Syrup Frosting

Maytag Blue Cheese w/ Iowa Honey drizzle

Mini Iowa Sweet Corn Cheesecake

Gong Fu China Green Tea

Pre Dinner Beverages

Peace Tree Brewery Root Beer, Jasper Winery Behind the Shed Red & La Crescent wines, Madhouse Brewery Pale Ale Beer

Wines with Dinner Summerset Frontenac Red & Vignoles White