The White House showcases the very best of American culinary arts, whether it's providing the president some much needed nourishment after a long day or using a meal as a diplomatic tool between two nations. White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford spent almost 30 years working in the White House kitchens before retiring in July 2024. Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, spoke with Chef Comerford about growing up in the Philippines, falling in love with cooking, and becoming a U.S. citizen who never dreamed one day she would cook at the most famous address in America.

Chef Comerford started as an assistant chef in 1995 during the Clinton presidency, and just 10 years later was named Executive Chef by First Lady Laura Bush. Chef Comerford was the first woman and first person of color named to the top position in the White House kitchen. She cooked for five presidents and their families, dozens of dignitaries, and literally thousands of guests from all around the world overseeing more than 50 state dinners along the way.

The key to cooking at the White House? Chef Comerford says it’s being able to listen and read the room properly because at the end of the day “...this is not your restaurant. This is not about you, it’s about the president or the family who are living in that White House at the moment.” Hear about what it takes to put on a state dinner, which president has his own chili recipe, and much more about cooking at the White House.

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