US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are currently being hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at an elegant state banquet held at Windsor Castle during their state visit to the UK. As per tradition for such occasions, expert chefs have crafted a menu in French, symbolizing the country being honored.
The detailed menu for tonight’s dinner includes a starter of Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad. The main course features organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, accompanied by a thyme and savory infused jus. For dessert, guests will indulge in a vanilla ice cream bombe with a Kentish raspberry sorbet interior and lightly poached Victoria plums.
The wine selection comprises Wiston Estate, Cuvée, 2016; Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, 2018; Ridge Vineyards, and Monte Bello, 2000. Additionally, Sir Winston Churchill’s favored champagne, Pol Roger, extra cuvee de Reserve, 1998, has been included to honor the president’s admiration for the wartime prime minister.
Following dinner, guests will be served Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port, commemorating Mr. Trump as the 45th and 47th US President. Also on offer is Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne, a nod to the birth year of Mr. Trump’s mother in Scotland. Furthermore, Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, Islay, a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1980, will be available for guests.
In a departure from the norm, a special cocktail named Transatlantic Whisky Sour has been crafted for the occasion, combining Johnnie Walker Black with marmalade citrus flavors, crowned with pecan foam and a toasted marshmallow on a star-shaped biscuit.
Notably, President Trump will not partake in a unique banquet tradition initiated by King Charles, where a custom cocktail is created to honor the visiting dignitary. This gesture, symbolizing the “special relationship” between the UK and the US, will be skipped by the teetotaling president due to his lifelong abstinence from alcohol.
Trump’s preference for sobriety stems from the tragic loss of his older brother to alcohol-related issues. The banquet’s menu tonight starkly contrasts with the lavish spread served during Trump’s previous visit in 2019 under the late Queen Elizabeth’s hosting.
For the French state visit in July, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte were greeted with a French-inspired menu prepared by renowned chef Raymond Blanc in collaboration with the Royal Household. The culinary offerings, penned in French convention, included delicate summer vegetables, Rhug Estate Chicken, and an Iced Blackcurrant Parfait dessert.
The royal family, including prominent members like the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne, are expected to grace tonight’s state banquet with their presence.