Breakdown Of Menu At Ruto's State Dinner At White House

In a grand celebration marking the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya relations, the White House will host a state dinner featuring performances by country music star Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir.

The Thursday night event will honour Kenyan President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto with a summertime-themed menu and an elegant setting under the stars.

First Lady Jill Biden previewed the event on Wednesday, highlighting the significance of the occasion and the careful planning involved. “I hope they will be filled with the same warmth that I felt on my visits to Kenya — that of a friendship that will endure, helping create a shining and prosperous tomorrow,” she said.

The dinner will take place in a glass pavilion, allowing guests to dine under the night sky. As they leave, their path will be illuminated by the moon, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Menu items for President William Ruto's state dinner at the White House. /USA TODAY

The menu, crafted by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Pastry Chef Susie Morrison, features classic American summer produce:

First Course

1. Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup
2. Sourdough Crisps
3. Arbequina Olive Oil

Main Course

1. Fruitwood-Smoked Beef Short Ribs
2. Butter-poached lobster with Citrus Butter
3. Baby Kale and Sweet Corn Purée

Dessert

White Chocolate Basket with Banana Ganache, Raspberries, Peaches, and Candied Lime Zest

Wine

1. Hartford Court Chardonnay “Four Hearts Vineyard” 2021
2. St. Innocent Pinot Noir “Shea Vineyard” 2019
3. Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2020

The Bidens opted for a menu that reflects American summer flavours, a departure from the usual practice of incorporating the guest country's cuisine.

Cookbook author Kiano Moju noted, “There’s not even like a little tickle of cultural call-out,” though she acknowledged that the inclusion of red meat would be appreciated by the Kenyan guests.

In addition to the gourmet meal, the evening will feature performances celebrating the Rutos’ love of gospel and country music. Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir will provide entertainment, adding a musical highlight to the event.

This state dinner, the sixth of the Biden administration, follows the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It underscores the Biden administration's commitment to strengthening international ties through such formal events.

The U.S. will also announce $250 million in new investments through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), expanding its portfolio in Kenya to over $1 billion. This initiative is part of broader discussions between President Biden and President Ruto, which will cover trade, debt relief, and technological cooperation.

As the first sub-Saharan African country to receive the designation of a major non-NATO ally, Kenya’s relationship with the U.S. continues to deepen. The designation highlights the strategic importance of Kenya in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors.

The state dinner symbolizes not only a celebration of past partnerships but also a commitment to future cooperation and shared prosperity.

White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford holding meals to be served at President Ruto's state dinner at the White House. /JACQUELYN MARTIN.AP