Cristeta Comerford

Cristeta comerford

Cristeta Comerford (born 1962) is a Filipino-American chef who has been the White House Executive Chef since 2005. She is the first woman and the first person of Asian descent to hold the position.

Early Life and Education

Cristeta Comerford was born in Manila, Philippines. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 23. Comerford studied food technology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman but did not complete her degree. She later pursued further education in the culinary arts in the United States.

Career

Comerford began her culinary career in the United States working in various hotels and restaurants. She worked at the Sheraton Hotel and the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, and later at the Le Ciel in Vienna, Austria.

In 1995, Comerford was recruited to work in the White House during the administration of Bill Clinton. She served as an assistant chef under Walter Scheib, the White House Executive Chef at the time. In 2005, she was appointed as the White House Executive Chef by First Lady Laura Bush, making her the first woman and the first person of Asian descent to hold the position.

White House Executive Chef

As the White House Executive Chef, Comerford is responsible for planning and preparing menus for state dinners, holiday functions, and other official events. She works closely with the First Family to create meals that reflect their personal tastes and dietary preferences. Comerford is known for her ability to incorporate diverse culinary traditions and for her emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Personal Life

Cristeta Comerford is married to John Comerford, a professional chef. They have one daughter.

Related Pages

• White House Executive Chef
• Bill Clinton
• Laura Bush
• University of the Philippines, Diliman
• Manila
• Philippines