Chef Mario Batali previews menu for Italian state dinner at the White House (13 images)

White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford displays the entry during a preview of the state dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2016. U.S. President Barack Obama will host a state visit by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, on October 18, 2016. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

Guest chef Mario Batali displays a sweet potato agnolotti and gives samples to the media during a preview of the state dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2016. U.S. President Barack Obama will host a state visit by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, on October 18, 2016. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

The dinner menu is shown during a preview of the state dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2016. U.S. President Barack Obama will host a state visit by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, on October 18, 2016. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

The places for President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are seen during a preview of the state dinner in honor of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2016. The Obamas will host a state visit by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, on October 18, 2016. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI