The media and political elite attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this weekend were enjoying their spring pea and burrata salads when shots rang out at the Washington Hilton. In the aftermath—with the gunman arrested, the president evacuated, and everyone in the ballroom safe—some speculation turned to the fate of the plates. What happened to the 2,600 portions of prime Chateaubriand and Maine lobster that were never served?
Turns out the surf and turf did not go to waste. A spokesperson for the Washington Hilton tells Washingtonian that the hotel regularly donates unused food from events to local organizations, and this weekend was no exception. (The rep did not immediately share which organizations received the food—stay tuned.) White House Correspondents Association president Weijia Jiang posted on X that the hotel “freeze dried the steak and lobster for longer shelf life before giving them to 2 shelters for abused women and children.” Remaining produce items were composted and will be sent to farms for agricultural use.
As for the wine, it seems some attendees didn’t want that to go to waste either. Live streams caught some people grabbing whole bottles on their way out.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind DC’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
