Mario Batali Whipped Up A Delicious Final State Dinner For The Obamas

As is common knowledge, the Obamas will be soon moving out of their pristine 1600 Pennsylvania Ave abode. And to commemorate that, the US Commander-in-Chief and the First Lady hosted their final State Dinner on Tuesday.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk to North Portico at the White House to greet Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini, for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The first lady is wearing a floor length, rose gold chainmail gown designed by Atelier Versace. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Image: Huffington Post

Not only was the evening symbolic of Barrack Obama’s remarkable 8-year term in the White House Office (and Michelle Obama’s flawless style. Psst! She donned Atelier Versace for the event), but a star-studded ensemble of all the relations the Obamas have managed to tack onto their Political portfolio.

Italian Prime Minster Matteo Renzi as Guest of Honour graced the occasion, along with his wife. Renzi opened his speech by addressing the FLOTUS with a swarm of compliments: “Michelle… let me be frank — your speeches are better than your tomatoes. Thank you so much, as a prime minister but also as father of a small daughter.” But that’s not all that was worth noting at Tuesday’s State Dinner.

Image: Ooyuz

The First Kitchen

Famous celebrity chef Mario Batali stepped up the elegant extravaganza with a lavish four-course meal with White House executive chef Cris Comerford and executive pastry chef Susan Morrison.

The three experts were joined by a few of Batali’s New York-based crew that included chefs Mark Ladner (Del Posto, NYC), Rebecca DeAngelis (pastry chef, Babbo) and Frank Langello (Babbo, NYC).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLtMy0jjRVb/

The menu created at the black tie event was a multi course banquet complete with sweet potato pasta, roasted butternut squash, steak, and an apple crostata for dessert. The food was teamed with a selection of wines, and a petit fours display.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLtZhHbDrI-/?taken-by=mariobatali

Here’s a look at the menu, courtesy Eater:

First Course

Sweet Potato Agnolotti with Butter and Sage

– Palmina Vermentino “Santa Ynez” 2015

 

Salad Course

Warm Butternut Squash Salad with Frisee and Pecorino di New York

– Villa Ragazzi Sangiovese “Napa” 2012

 

Main Course

Beef Braciola Pinwheel with Horseradish Gremolata and Broccoli Rabe

(A vegetarian version of this dish will be available)

– Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel “East Bench” 2014

 

Dessert

Green Apple Crostata with Thyme Caramel and Buttermilk Gelato

 

Petit Fours Display:

Sweet Corn Cream and Blackberry Cup

Concord Grape Bittersweet Chocolate Leaf

Orange Fig Slice

Pumpkin Cranberry Tart

Tiramisu

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLtr48JD9A6/?taken-by=mariobatali

Served in a picturesque alfresco setting, the spread highlighted “the bountiful fall harvest”. Dinner was served in a tent on the South Lawn decked out with chandeliers, mirrored tables, and fall floral arrangements. The fast was followed by an exclusive performance by Gwen Stefani. Of course it was. It’s like the end of an era!

Feature Image: ABC News