The Second First Meal of the USS Idaho

Guests are invited to dine at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute and enjoy the exact first meal served onboard the USS Idaho—the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class nuclear submarine. This remarkable dinner marks a rare opportunity to experience a moment of naval history through cuisine.

What makes this evening truly unique is the connection between SVCI and the USS Idaho itself. The culinary specialists who will cook aboard the submarine were trained by the Sun Valley Culinary Institute, with a focus on Idaho ingredients, regional cuisine, and professional excellence—bringing a taste of home to sailors serving far from it.

The menu will be prepared by Chef Melissa Mauselle, celebrating Idaho’s agricultural bounty while honoring the traditions and significance of this historic commissioning. Each course tells a story of service, craftsmanship, and the role food plays in morale, identity, and connection.

Proceeds from the evening benefit both the Sun Valley Culinary Institute and the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee, supporting culinary education, workforce development, and the legacy of the submarine and its crew.

This is more than a dinner—it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the intersection of food, service, and state pride.