President Trump is hosting the second state dinner of his second term on Tuesday evening, honoring the British monarch, King Charles III, and his wife, Queen Camilla.
The king has sought during his official state visit to remind Americans of the strong cultural, historical and political ties between Britain and the United States, amid a tensions in diplomatic relations and over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. Melania Trump, the first lady, led preparations for the dinner, which the White House has said is aimed at honoring the “special relationship” between the two countries.
Here is the dinner menu for the evening, as provided by the White House.
The food
First Course
Garden Vegetable Velouté
Hearts of Palm
Toasted Shallots
Micro Mint
The first course offers delicate garden herb velouté, silken and aromatic, complemented by a refreshing hearts of palm salad. Finished with crisp toasted shallots and a whisper of micro mint for brightness and contrast.
Second Course
Spring Herbed Ravioli
Ricotta Cheese
Morels
Parmesan Emulsion
The second course is made of a handcrafted spring herb ravioli, featuring herbs from the White House Kitchen Garden, generously filled with creamy ricotta, earthy morels, gently dressed in a light Parmesan emulsion, which enhances the essence of the dish.
Third Course
Dover Sole Meunière
Potato Pavé
Spring Ramps
Snow Peas
Parsley Oil
The third course is made of a classic Dover sole meunière, expertly prepared and bathed in a nutty brown butter. The fish is accompanied by tender spring ramps, sweet snow peas, layered potatoes pavé, and a vibrant parsley oil for a refined, seasonal finish.
Dessert
White House Honey & Vanilla Bean Crémeux
Flourless Chocolate Gâteau
Almond Joconde
Crème Fraîche Ice Cream
For dessert, guests will be served a sweet beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau with a smooth vanilla bean crémeux custard, delicately set inside with an almond joconde. The refined, feather-light sponge joconde will provide the dessert a nutty taste, balanced with a brown butter crumble. The beehive will be complemented with crème fraîche ice cream and White House honey.
Wines
The following wines were selected to complement the menu while honoring the shared heritage and enduring friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom, and celebrating the strength of American winemaking today.
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Hopkins riesling “Heritage” 2024, Hopkins Vineyards
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Penner-Ash pinot noir “Willamette Valley” 2022, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars
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Newton chardonnay “Unfiltered” 2022, Newton Vineyard
Entertainment
The evening’s entertainment will feature performances by the United States military musicians from the Marines, Army and Air Force, including “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the United States Army Chorus, the United States Army Strings, the United States Army Herald Trumpets, the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants and the United States Air Force Strings.
Floral arrangements & décor
The décor for the evening reflects a shared appreciation for gardens. Cherry blossoms greet guests upon entering the Grand Foyer. Inspired by the beauty of English gardens, towering trees and blossoming garden boxes of lilac enhance the splendor of the room. Tables, dressed in green pleated linens, are adorned with seasonal blooms of lilac, butterfly ranunculus, phlox and lily of the valley, underscoring the beauty of spring. Lush garden greens are complemented by accents of gold and white.
The tables are set with more than 250 pieces of vermeil from the White House collection, alongside handcrafted ceramics by distinguished American artisans, including Ben Wolff. The Clinton Anniversary Service is presented alongside hand-painted menus, with courses served on both the Clinton and Bush china services. Rooted in traditions cherished on both sides of the Atlantic, these details reflect the long and enduring friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
