White House unveils menu for Australian PM state dinner

Guests at the state dinner for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will dine on dishes highlighting the “warmth and bounty of fall in the United States,” the White House said in releasing the menu for the black-tie soiree.

The meal for Wednesday’s state dinner will include a farro and roasted beet salad and a butternut squash soup with smoked paprika and candied pumpkin seeds for the first course.

The main course will feature sarsaparilla-braised short ribs, sorghum-glazed young carrots, brussels sprouts and a celery root puree with carrot jus.

Hazelnut and chocolate mousse cake and crème fraiche ice cream will be served for dessert.

White House social secretary Carlos Elizondo noted at a Tuesday media preview that the culinary team for the state dinner was made up entirely of women, including guest chef Katie Button.

Elizondo told reporters that first lady Jill Biden had “chosen a menu that will also showcase American ingredients and innovation thanks to our team of all-female chefs.”

“As the United States and Australia celebrate our past century of partnership and look toward the next century of friendship, I was inspired to bring together the vibrant Australian spring and crisp American autumn,” Biden said.

Painted landscapes, a ceiling “draped in an ombre of cool colors” and a backdrop featuring butterflies and florals are among the decorative elements planned for the Biden administration’s fourth state dinner.

The first lady had announced Tuesday evening that an “adjustment” was made to the musical performance amid international conflict.

“While we had initially planned for the legendary B-52s to perform their iconic dance and party music, we are now in a time when so many are facing sorrow and pain,” Biden said.

The “Love Shack” singers will instead attend the dinner as guests, and instrumental music will be played by U.S. military bands.