White House Chef Retires After 29 Years of Serving Five Presidents
From President Clinton to President Biden, Chef Cristeta Comerford has crafted state dinners and afternoon teas as the esteemed White House Executive Chef.
A Distinguished Career at the White House
On July 30th, a spokesperson for First Lady Jill Biden announced that Cristeta Comerford, the White House Executive Chef, will retire on August 2nd after nearly three decades of service to five U.S. presidents.
From Manila to the White House
Born in Manila, Philippines, Comerford, 62, moved to the U.S. at the age of 23. She honed her culinary skills in various restaurants in Chicago, Washington state, and the nation’s capital. In 1995, she joined the White House kitchen, and in 2005, she made history as the first woman and first Asian-American to be appointed Executive Chef.
Culinary Diplomacy and Legacy
Comerford has overseen numerous state dinners, prepared late-night meals for presidents, and planned significant White House events. “She is a national treasure, a culinary diplomat who has shown the world that an immigrant can celebrate American cuisine and introduce it to global leaders,” chef and humanitarian José Andrés praised on social media. “Congratulations on your retirement, Cris. We love you dearly.”
Celebrating Culinary Love
“Food is love,” expressed First Lady Jill Biden. “By breaking barriers to advance her career, Chef Cris has led her team with creativity and passion, nourishing our spirits. Joe and I are profoundly grateful for her dedicated years of service.”
