Melania Trump Curates Pescatarian State Dinner Menu For Xi Visit
First Lady Melania Trump curated a strict three-course menu for the state dinner honoring Chinese President Xi Jinping. The event takes place Thursday in the White House's East Room while a new ballroom rises nearby. The dinner will feature no red meat at all, serving exclusively pescatarian dishes to the guests.
The meal begins with a toast using Schramsberg Blanc de Noir sparkling wine. This choice honors the historic "Toast to Peace" between President Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972. According to the Washington Examiner, the White House still serves the same American sparkling wine at current functions that was featured at that historic event.
A refined, silky-smooth velouté crafted from sweet yellow squash constitutes the first course. Fox News stated that gentle blending highlights the delicate seasonal flavors of earthy wild mushrooms, which are sautéed with fresh herbs. While crispy pancetta offers a savory, smoky contrast, a final drizzle of scallion oil contributes vibrance.
THE WHITE HOUSE STATE DINNER
Every detail considered. An experience thoughtfully conceived and exquisitely realized for our distinguished guests. pic.twitter.com/R3H1ryYEmj
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) September 17, 2026
Sesame-crusted sea bass, accompanied by braised baby bok choy and roasted eggplant, defines the second course. Noting the preparation, the New York Post mentioned the fish is handled delicately using fresh seabass and covered in toasted sesame seeds. This mixture yields a fragrant, nutty crust yet maintains the fish's tenderness.
Crisp baby bok choy and roasted garden eggplant accompany the dish as lightly caramelized flavors emerge. A vibrant sauce verte of fresh herbs finishes the plate to add brightness and acidity. Dessert will feature a vanilla crémeux containing a sour cherry confit center alongside White House Honey ice cream.
The menu seeks to unite the culinary traditions of both nations by incorporating American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence. Melania Trump informed the New York Post that planning the state dinner involves many details. She further explained that protocol must be observed for every detail she was involved in from tomorrow.
The East Room is decorated in red to show an expression of warmth and celebration. Urns will be overflowing with red blossoms to honor the color's longstanding cultural significance throughout Chinese history. Tables feature the Reagan State Service and vermeil from the White House collection alongside seasonal flowers.
Entertainment includes a performance by tenor Christopher Macchio, who is President Trump's favorite singer. Giants of tech and business, including Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, dominate the guest list. Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple's Tim Cook, and OpenAI's Sam Altman are also expected to attend.
Artificial intelligence remains a top concern for President Trump and President Xi during this visit. The dinner occurs midway through the three-day trip that began with a meeting at Joint Base Andrews. As we celebrate our 250th anniversary, leaders will visit the National Archives on Friday to view some of the United States' most important founding documents.