Barack Obama pays tribute to the Italian legacy in America
Channel: Eduardo Montes-Bradley
Date: 2022-12-24

On October 18, 2016, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a State Dinner in honor of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Mrs. Agnese Landini of Italy on October 18, 2016. Held in a tent on the White House South Lawn, guest chef Mario Batali served the dinner in coordination with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Pastry Chef Susan Morrison. The décor was inspired by the Italian influence on American culture and included detailed chandeliers, mirrored table tops, bouquets, and candlelit centerpieces. In addition to Sweet Potato Agnolotti with Butter and Sage, Warm Butternut Squash Salad, and Beef Braciole Pinwheel with Horseradish Gremolata, canapes were served with ingredients from the White House Kitchen Garden. Singer Gwen Stefani provided the after-dinner entertainment.

In his toast, President Obama commemorated historical and cultural connections between Italy and the United States, saying, “Our declaration that 'all men are created equal' was penned by Thomas Jefferson, and it was a concept shared by his friend, also from Florence, Firenze, Filippo Mazzei. We stand before the Lincoln Memorial and see the work of the Piccirilli brothers. We look up at the dome of the U.S. Capitol and marvel at the touch of Brumidi.”