Stars Descend on White House for Obamas' Final State Dinner

Sean Pavone/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The Obamas are hosting their final state dinner at the White House, and they’re going out with a bang.

“Today is bittersweet for Michelle and I because this marks the final official visit and state dinner of my presidency. But it’s OK. We saved the best for last,” the president said ahead of the dinner.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are holding the dinner to honor Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini.

The guest list includes some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jerry Seinfeld, Chance the Rapper, Frank Ocean, and James Taylor. Fashion designers Giorgio Armani and Naeem Khan are also attending.

Gwen Stefani, who will be accompanied by her boyfriend, Blake Shelton, will perform for the guests, and Chef Mario Batali is whipping up classic Italian dishes with an American twist. Batali said he’ll be wearing his signature orange Vrocs.

The menu consists of a sweet potato agnolotti first course; a warm butternut squash salad with frisee and pecorino, and a beef braciole pinwheel with horseradish gremolata and broccoli rabe. For dessert, guests will be treated to green apple crostata with thyme caramel and buttermilk gelato as well as a petit fours display entitled “Celebrating Autumn’s Harvest.” And yes, there are wine pairings.

White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford said the planning for the meal started in August and included a taste test for the first lady at Batali’s New York City restaurant Babbo.

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