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President Xi State Dinner notable for what was NOT on the menu

September 25, 2026 | | Print Article

There was one thing conspicuously absent during Thursday’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

No, not McDonald’s, which President Donald Trump has a known affinity for — such an elegant affair would forbid it. The correct answer is, somewhat surprisingly, red meat.

The dinner’s first course consisted of yellow squash velouté, wild mushroom fricassée, crispy pancetta and scallion oil, according to Fox News, which cited a menu provided by First Lady Melania Trump’s office.

“The first course offers a refined and silky-smooth velouté made of sweet yellow squash,” the menu states. “This course is gently blended to highlight its delicate seasonal flavors of earthy wild mushrooms, sautéed with fresh herbs. Together, these ingredients create a rich fricassee, complemented by crispy pancetta for a savory and smoky contrast. A finishing drizzle of scallion oil adds vibrance and a subtle allium brightness to the dish.”

Sesame-crusted sea bass with braised bok choy, roasted garden eggplant and a French green herb sauce, followed.

“The second course is prepared delicately with fresh seabass and coated in toasted sesame seeds,” the menu said.

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“This combination creates a fragrant nutty crust while keeping the fish tender,” the description stated. “The fish is served with crisp baby bok choy and roasted garden eggplant, creating lightly caramelized flavors. The dish is finished with a vibrant sauce verte of fresh herbs, which add brightness, acidity, and a garden character.”

The final course featured vanilla crémeux and White House honey iced cream, walnut frangipane and sour cherry confit.

Below is a detailed list of all the invited guests at the dinner

Here are other photos from the formal event, as shared on X:

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Tom Tillison
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