After a grueling week of stimulus talk, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle opened the White House doors to the nation’s governors and their spouses for a black-tie dinner Sunday evening.

The event, which was held in the State Dining Room, was attended by 130 guests and featured a tasty and eclectic menu, which included Chesapeake crab, wagyu beef, Nantucket scallops with glazed red carrots and creamed spinach.

The state leaders were in D.C. for a National Governors Association meeting, and during that time many of the Republican leaders publicly criticized the cost of President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus plan. Some even vowed not to accept all of the stimulus money.

But by Sunday evening, the tension made way for mixing, mingling and cordial smiles. President Obama sat in between the wives of Florida Republican Gov. Charlie Crist and Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, while Mrs. Obama sat with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire.

“Despite our current travails,” said the president during a toast, “We all emerge more prosperous and more unified than we were before.”

After the dinner, Earth, Wind & Fire entertained the guests in the East Room of the White House. President Obama is meeting with the governors today to discuss the stimulus money.