Former White House pastry chef comes to Dallas to celebrate 10th anniversary of Mercury Grill

by Teresa Gubbins

Roland Mesnier, who served as White House pastry chef for 27 years, came to Dallas this week to help chef-owner Chris Ward celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Mercury Grill.

Mesnier has written three cookbooks, including his most recent, 2007's All the Presidents' Pastries: Twenty-Five Years in the White House, which he proudly crowed had endorsements from five First Wives.

On Wednesday, Ward hosted a dessert/tea party for Mesnier, who shared behind-the-scenes tales of his years in the White House. (Hillary Clinton's favorite dessert: mocha cake.) Among those in attendance were Darren McGrady, former pastry chef to Princess Diana.

On Thursday, Ward hosted a six-course 10th-anniversary dinner at the Mercury, with Mesnier providing the pastry course, and Robin Lail of Lail Vineyards in Napa providing wine, as follows:

First Course: Olive Oil Poached Halibut with Pan Seared Foie Gras and Mango Vinaigrette

Second Course: Pan Seared Colorado Lamb Chop with Goat Cheese and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli

Third Course: Blue Marlin Tataki with Seven Pepper Sauce

Fourth Course: Sorbet of Choice

Fifth Course: Porcini Crusted Tournedo and 48-Hour Braised Short Rib with Pommes Anna & Vegetable Medley

Dessert Course: Chef Roland Mesnier's "Trio of White House" desserts