Former White House Executive Chef

Mother Teresa has said, “If you can’t feed a hundred hungry people, then just feed one.”

Cristeta “Cris” Comerford has fed not just one but hundreds and hundreds of people, not just kings and queens, presidents, royalties, and celebrities but also the poor and underprivileged because she has the talent, mastery, and the passion to serve and to share her culinary expertise.

Mrs. Comerford was the executive chef of the White House, a position she has held since the term of President George W. Bush. Recognizing her remarkable talent, creativity, and experience, First Lady Laura Bush appointed her in August 2005.

Mrs. Comerford, now one of the longest-serving White House executive chefs in history, has spent almost three decades cooking for five presidents and the First Families, eight Administrations and executed more than fifty State Dinners.

Mrs. Comerford propagates the concept of culinary diplomacy to connect Americans, countries, and cultures. The White House showcases the best of American food and in many special events, began including and incorporating food and cuisines from other nations. She is also an Honorary Member of the world’s most exclusive gastronomic society of Executive Chefs of Heads of States, “The Club Des Chefs Des Chefs”, founded by Gilles Bragard in 1976.

She has earned numerous prestigious awards and recognitions including the coveted, French Order of the Agricultural Merit, bestowed by the French Republic and President Macron. The Former President of the Philippines, President Noy Noy Aquino, awarded Cris Comerford, “Pamana Ng Pilipino Award”, an award given to outstanding Filipinos across the globe.

Mrs. Comerford currently resides in Palm Beach County, Florida. She lives a full and rewarding life together with her husband John, and two fur babies, Cooper and Cloud.

Language spoken: English

Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images