The menu for Trump's State Dinner:
The menu showcased American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence, bringing the culinary traditions of both nations together.
The meal will begin with a toast of Schramsberg "Blanc De Noir," honoring the historic “Toast to Peace” shared by President Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing in 1972.
The same American sparkling wine served at that historic gathering is still enjoyed at White House functions today.
First Course
Yellow Squash Velouté
Wild Mushroom Fricassée
Crispy Pancetta
Scallion Oil
The first course offers a refined and silky-smooth velouté made of sweet yellow squash. This course is gently blended to highlight its delicate seasonal flavors of earthy wild mushrooms, sautéed with fresh herbs. Together, these ingredients create a rich fricassee, complemented by crispy pancetta for a savory and smoky contrast. A finishing drizzle of scallion oil adds vibrance and a subtle allium brightness to the dish.
Second Course
Sesame Crusted Sea Bass
Braised Baby Bok Choy
Roasted Garden Eggplant
Sauce Verte
The second course is prepared delicately with fresh sea bass and coated in toasted sesame seeds. This combination created a fragrant, nutty crust while keeping the fish tender. The fish is served with crisp baby bok choy and roasted garden eggplant, creating lightly caramelized flavors. The dish is finished with a vibrant sauce verte of fresh herbs, which added brightness, acidity, and a garden character.
Dessert
Vanilla Crémeux & White House Honey Ice Cream
Walnut Frangipane
Sour Cherry Confit
The dessert course is a smooth vanilla crémeux with a vibrant sour cherry confit center, topped with a rich walnut frangipane. The dessert’s fruit-shaped form is complemented by a delicate ice cream made with harvested White House honey.
ENTERTAINMENT
Several performances will take place during the formal dinner, headlined by Mr. Christopher Macchio, a classically trained tenor who performed at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. The evening’s entertainment will feature performances by military musicians from the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, including “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the United States Army Chorus, and the United States Army Strings.
FLORAL & DÉCOR
The décor for the evening is an expression of warmth and celebration and draws on the color red’s longstanding cultural significance throughout Chinese history. Urns showcase overflowing red blossoms. Tables are dressed in rich red linens and adorned with dahlias and ranunculus.
Among the seasonal blooms, the tables feature vermeil from the White House collection. The Reagan State Service is featured on the tables. These details blend Chinese artistry and American tradition together, showcased within the timeless elegance of the White House.