Roland Mesnier and Frank Ruta with Marine Corps Helicopter
This photograph, taken in July 1986, shows White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier (left) and chef Frank Ruta (right) next to a United States Marine Corps helicopter. That day, President Ronald Reagan traveled to Governors Island, New York, to celebrate the centennial of the Statue of Liberty. For the event, Mesnier, Ruta, and White House Executive Chef Henry Haller prepared food for a luncheon attended by President Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan, President François Mitterrand of France, his wife, Danielle Mitterrand, and 28 additional guests. The culinary team prepared the food in the White House Kitchen and transported it to New York by Marine Corps helicopter. Chef Haller traveled with the food and enjoyed breathtaking views of New York Harbor. Despite the bumps and turns of the helicopter, the food remained intact.
This photograph is part of a collection belonging to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.