From the era of Clinton to Biden, Cristeta Comerford, an Asian-American chef, has been the culinary mastermind behind countless state dinners and afternoon teas as the White House Executive Chef.
On July 30, a spokesperson for First Lady Jill Biden announced that Cristeta Comerford, the White House Executive Chef who has served five U.S. presidents over an illustrious 29-year career, will be retiring on August 2.
Born in Manila, Philippines, 62-year-old Comerford immigrated to the United States at the age of 23. She honed her culinary skills in various prestigious restaurants in Chicago and Washington State, as well as the nation’s capital. Joining the White House kitchen in 1995, Comerford made history in 2005 as the first woman and the first person of Asian descent to be appointed as the Executive Chef.
She has overseen the orchestration of dozens of state dinners, whipped up late-night snacks for the president, and meticulously planned some of the White House’s grandest events.
“She is a national treasure, a culinary diplomat who has shown the world how an immigrant can elevate American cuisine and introduce it to global leaders,” chef and humanitarian José Andrés wrote on X on the evening of July 29. “Congratulations on your retirement, we love you, Cris.”
“I always say that food is love,” expressed First Lady Jill Biden. “By breaking barriers to advance her career, Chef Cris has led her team with creativity and heartfelt enthusiasm, nurturing our spirits. Joe and I are truly grateful for her years of dedicated service.”
