Mario Batali (Yes, in His Orange Crocs) to Prepare Obamas’ Last State Dinner.

'Last month as President Obama met with world leaders in Manhattan during the final United Nations General Assembly of his tenure, Michelle Obama sneaked off to Greenwich Village to plan for some parting diplomatic flourishes of her own.

For about two hours at a private table at Babbo, on Waverly Place, Mrs. Obama sampled appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared by Mario Batali, the chef she had chosen to put together the last state dinner of the Obama era, honoring Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy.

The menu of dishes that ultimately made the cut for Tuesday night’s dinner was being as closely guarded this weekend as any state secret, though an official preview was scheduled for Monday afternoon at the White House.

Officials would say only that the 500 guests could expect “traditional Italian dishes that have been ingrained in American cuisine” — so, presumably, some of the more daring fare for which Mr. Batali is known, like goose liver ravioli, is not on the menu.'>>>

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/17/us/politics/mario-batali-obama-dinner.html?