US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are currently guests of King Charles and Queen Camilla at a lavish state banquet held in Windsor Castle as part of their official visit to the UK.
In keeping with tradition, a team of chefs has meticulously crafted a menu, following French culinary customs, that showcases the essence of the host country. The elaborate menu for the evening includes Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad as the starter.
For the main course, guests, including Mr. Trump, will savor organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, accompanied by a thyme and savory-infused jus. The dessert features a delightful vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior and lightly poached Victoria plums.
To complement the exquisite meal, a selection of wines such as Wiston Estate Cuvée 2016 and Domaine Bonneau de Martray Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018 will be served. Additionally, the renowned Pol Roger extra cuvee de Reserve 1998, a favorite of Sir Winston Churchill, has been included in honor of the president’s admiration for the wartime leader.
Following dinner, guests will be treated to Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port and Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne. A special addition to the beverages is the Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980 from Islay, a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1980, bottled for her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
A unique feature of this state banquet is the creation of a signature cocktail, the Transatlantic Whisky Sour, symbolizing a blend of UK and US influences by combining Johnnie Walker Black with marmalade. This innovative cocktail is topped with pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow on a star-shaped biscuit, reminiscent of a cozy fireside S’more.
Noteworthy is President Trump’s decision to abstain from a customary cocktail customarily offered to visiting foreign dignitaries, citing his lifelong abstinence from alcohol due to a personal tragedy involving his brother’s struggles with alcoholism.
In contrast to previous state banquets, tonight’s menu presents a distinct culinary experience, diverging from the lavish spread served during Trump’s previous visit in 2019. This exclusive event is anticipated to be attended by members of the royal family, enhancing the grandeur of the occasion.