Filipino American Artists Network

Cristeta Comerford, the first woman chef in the White House is also the first of Filipino descent. She has been trained in culinary arts in the Philippines, Austria and the United States. Her specialty is in French classical techniques, ethnic and American cuisine and has experience working with chefs in San Francisco and the California wine country.

Born in Sampaloc,Manila in 1962, Cristeta took up Food Technology at the University of the Philippines Diliman, in Quezon City before she immigrated to the US. Her first job was making salad at the Sheraton Hotel in Illinois. Cris then met and married another chef, John Comerford. She has been an assistant chef at the White House for 10 years before taking charge three years ago of over a staff of five full-time employees that could expand to as many as 25 for an important occasion.

“She is known for her even-tempered, unflappable demeanor, as well as an extraordinary ability to adapt to any situation, from a late-night peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a state dinner for 900. She is exceptional in taking a concept and turning it into a dish,” said her predecessor, Walter Scheib, who hired her in 1995 from what was then the ANA Hotel.

Her favorite dish is her mother’s chicken-and-pork adobo with jasmine rice.

Source: Washington Post