Cris Comerford, the first woman and first person of color to serve as the White House executive chef, has retired after nearly 30 years of service.
Over her distinguished career, Comerford prepared meals for five different presidents and their families, earning a reputation for her culinary excellence and innovative menus.
Her final day on the job was Friday, and First Lady Jill Biden expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday.
“I always say, food is love. Through her barrier-breaking career, Chef Cris has led her team with warmth and creativity, and nourished our souls along the way,” Jill Biden stated. “With all our hearts, Joe and I are filled with gratitude for her dedication and years of service.”
Born in the Philippines and now a naturalized U.S. citizen, Comerford, 61, honed her skills in Chicago hotels and Washington restaurants before joining the White House as an assistant chef in 1995.
She was appointed executive chef in 2005, where she took on the responsibility of designing and executing menus for state dinners, social events, holiday functions, receptions, and official luncheons.
Comerford’s tenure as executive chef was marked by her collaboration with pastry chef Susie Morrison, the first woman to hold that position.
Together, they delighted the palates of guests at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with their creative culinary offerings.
State dinners are a key component of U.S. diplomacy, serving as a symbol of honor and respect for America’s closest allies.
Comerford’s last state dinner, held in May for Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife, Rachel, featured a three-course meal that included chilled heirloom tomato soup, a “best of both worlds” main course of smoked beef short ribs and butter-poached lobster, and a dessert of a homemade white chocolate basket filled with raspberries, peaches, and other fruit.
Chef and humanitarian José Andrés praised Comerford in a social media post, calling her “a national treasure, a culinary diplomat who has shown the world how an immigrant can celebrate American food & share it with the world’s leaders.” He added, “Congrats on retiring, we love you Cris.”
Comerford’s retirement marks the end of an era at the White House, where her culinary talents and leadership have left a lasting impact.
Her legacy as a trailblazer in the culinary world and as a symbol of diversity and excellence will be remembered for years to come.
