image from
superchefblog.com.
we send our congratulations to filipina-american cristeta comerford, who on the 14th became the first woman to be named white house executive chef. first lady laura bush selected her after a 6-month evaluation/selection period. the article from the new york times detailing the selection can be found here.
she came to the united states from the philippines when she was 23, having earned a bachelor's degree in food technology from the university of the philippines. she also studied french cuisine working in austria.
as executive chef, she's basically the private chef of the bush family. she'll also get the chance to showcase her culinary talents in state dinners; however, the bush administration has held very few state dinners (only 5). comerford did prepare the menu for the state dinner in 2003 honoring president arroyo when she made her state visit to the united states that year.
so maybe she can get president bush to like filipino food...then again, he is a known health nut, as he loves to exercise and eats only light meals.
2 comments:
Dear TP Culture Blog,
It has been an honor to talk to the chefs who were considered by the White House, particularly your own "home girl" Cris. Yesterday, I was on both Radio and Television to talk about her, and what I remembered most from our brief phone conversation was her modesty, discretion, and kindness.
Some of Cris' friends have contacted me, asking to get in touch with her -- one woman has not seen her since they were children. It's wonderful to see how fast the world reacts and how happy people are for Cris.
And it doesn't really matter what the First Family eats: I just hope most of America discovers lumpias!
Warm regards -- and congratulations to the Philippines! - Juliette
Publisher of superchefblog
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