Chef Dishes About Three Decades in the White House
Plus tonight, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center to host a virtual panel discussion about the fight against book banning.
The White House Historical Association released its 100th episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast Wednesday featuring a conversation with former White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, who spent nearly 30 years working in the White House kitchen through the Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden administrations before retiring in July 2024.
Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, and Chef Comerford talked about the significance of White House kitchen staff members’ roles in ceremonial tradition, a meal as a diplomatic tool between two nations, and Chef Comerford’s historic achievement of being the first woman and person of color to serve as White House Executive Chef.
“It’s remarkable the thoughtfulness, not just of what's on the table and on the plate, but the seating orchestration, planning of what conversation might take place at the table and the toasts that are integral to each dinner,” said McLaurin in a press release “All of this is like a symphony that comes together in this gastro diplomacy, which is really amazing.”
Chef Comerford spoke about the culinary influence of her upbringing in the Philippines and the journey that led her to the White House kitchen during the Clinton Administration in 1995. After nearly 30 years of working for five different presidents and their families, dozens of dignitaries and thousands of guests, Chef Comerford shares the key lessons to cooking in the White House and her favorite memories.
“I think my most special memories being at the White House for 29 years, it’s not the big state dinners,” reflected Chef Comerford. “It’s not all those big picnics that are very, very hard to execute, but all of the intimate little family dinners that we do where you really get to see the first family enjoy themselves because that's not public. It’s only us that gets to see that. And for me, that's really, really treasured memories.”
Chef Comerford detailed many aspects of her leadership role outside of the kitchen, including strategizing the uses of different resources, and collaborating with florists and butlers. From reading body language to predicting the energy of a ceremony, she exercised a high-level of care and attention to all factors that could influence the presentation and style of her dishes.
The full video of this podcast episode is also available on the White House Historical Association’s YouTube channel here.
Calendar
Nov. 18, 2024
The Hidden Cost of Defending Books: Voices from the Front Lines
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center presents a thought-provoking virtual panel discussion from 6 to 7 p.m. EST on Nov. 18 that will delve into the emotional landscape of activism in the fight against book bans. The panel will examine the complex interplay of emotions that drive individuals to champion intellectual freedom, featuring a renowned author whose work has been challenged, a dedicated librarian on the frontlines of censorship, and a passionate student activist. Read more
Nov. 21, 2024
Special Third Thursday Night Out: Pat Nixon Biographer Heath Hardage Lee
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents Heath Hardage Lee, the acclaimed author of the newly released book, The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady, and members of Nixon’s East Wing staff for a one-night-only at the museum. These remarkable women, who worked closely with Mrs. Nixon, will participate in a Q&A following the program. Read more
Nov. 24, 2024
First Ladies Fine Dining: Inauguration
Cookology at Ballston Quarter in Arlington, Virginia, presents a hands-on cooking class wand lecture by Andrew Och, aka “The First Ladies Man” on Nov. 24, 2024. Dolley Madison, Edith Wilson and Rosalynn Carter all come from different eras, decades and even centuries. Comparing and contrasting the first ladies through food and the events they hosted is a remarkable way to learn about the life and times of these incredibly influential women before, during and after their time in the White House. Read more
Nov. 25, 2024
First Ladies on the Page Book Club – Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a virtual First Ladies on the Page Book Club discussion on former First Lady Laura Bush’s memoir Spoken from the Heart. This month’s discussion offers a rich exploration of Laura Bush's life and historical connections. Read more
Dec. 4, 2024
Inside the Vault: Holidays at the White House with Former White House Chefs
The National Archives Foundation presents a virtual holiday program on Dec. 4, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. EST featuring White House chefs discussing experiences working in the White House during the holidays and what it was like to cook for the presidents and their families. Moderated by Alex Prud'homme, author of Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House, the program will feature William Yosses, White House Executive Pastry Chef, 2007–14, and John Moeller, White House Chef, 1992–2005, and author of Dining at the White House: From the President's Table to Yours. Read more
Dec. 6, 2024
2024 Holiday Book Festival
The White House Historical Association continues its tradition of producing award-winning books on many subjects related to the history of the White House—from its architecture, gardens, fine and decorative arts to the presidents and first ladies who lived there over the years. The authors of several award-winning books will be featured at its annual Holiday Book Festival on Dec. 6, 2024.
Artist and illustrator Dr. John Hutton will provide drawing lessons, demonstrate how to draw the presidents, and sign the series of children's books he illustrated.
Other authors include:
Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Keegan Smith will be signing their groundbreaking book Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women.
Art Chadwick, American orchid grower and entrepreneur, will be signing First Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas, which explores the history of First Ladies of the United States and the cattleya hybrids that are named after them.
Christi Harlan, writer and communications consultant in Washington, D.C., will be signing her book about Jimmy Carter: Mr. President, The Class Is Yours: Jimmy Carter's Sunday School Lessons in Washington, D.C.
Jonathan Stolz will be signing his book, Presidential Vignettes: Stories About Those Who Have Held the Hightest Office in the Land.
Melinda Dart compiled and edited this memoir of her grandfather, A Glimpse of Greatness: The Memoir of Irineo Esperancilla, which captures the amazing experience of a Filipino American who quietly served his family, his country and four presidents of the United States.
Dec. 8, 2024
A Timeless Holiday Tea with the First Ladies, Featuring Janet Weir Creighton's White House Entertaining Presentation
The National First Ladies Library & Museum will present “A Timeless Holiday Tea” on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Janet Weir Creighton, Stark County Commissioner and former George W. Bush Administration staff member, will discuss the fascinating world of White House china, entertaining, and state dinners. Read more
Dec. 8, 2024
Is the Truth Dead? The Press vs. Social Media in the Digital Age
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center presents a panel discussion on Dec. 8, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. EST exploring how the rise of social media has brought an explosion of information and opinions, making it harder to sift through the noise and find the truth amidst misinformation. Bloggers, influencers, politically driven media, and politicians now wield the power to influence without evidence. How does traditional journalism rise to meet this challenge? In honor of International Human Rights Day on December 10, join the ERC at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum for a lively discussion on how journalism and social media shape truth in the digital era. Read more
Dec. 13, 2024
Eleanor Roosevelt’s New Deal Community at Arthurdale, West Virginia
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a virtual lecture exploring “Eleanor's Little Village” of Arthurdale, West Virginia. Eleanor Roosevelt, often referred to as the “First Lady of the World,” was an incredibly active first lady from 1933 to 1945. One of her significant projects was the New Deal homestead community of Arthurdale, where 165 impoverished families were relocated to learn subsistence agriculture and craft skills. This presentation will delve into the history of Arthurdale and Eleanor Roosevelt's influential involvement in the community. Read more
Dec. 13, 2024
Candlelight Tours of the Saxton-McKinley House
Step back in time with us for a special candlelight tour of the Saxton House. As you explore the house, you’ll discover how newly forming traditions and presidential expectations shaped the holiday season for this tight-knit family over the years. But hurry, tickets are limited. Read more
Dec. 14, 2024
The Tea on Tea! A Boston Tea Party Discussion with Our Nation’s Founding Women
The National Archives Museum, in Washington, D.C. presents a program about Abigail Adams, former first lady and founding mother and Sarah Bradlee Fulton, also known as the “mother of the Boston Tea Party,” discussing the world in 1774, the impact of the Boston Tea Party, and the tea actions after it. The ladies will also share how to make one’s own Liberty tea and homespun to protest buying of British tea and goods. Programs run from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 14. Abigail Adams portrayed by Kim Hanley (American Historical Theatre). Sarah Bradlee Fulton is portrayed by Jill Lawrence. Read more
Dec. 16, 2024
Cooking with the First Ladies with Sarah Morgan
Embark on a culinary journey through history with Sarah Morgan as she brings First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson’s beloved recipes to life in this engaging virtual event. With a history degree and a whisk in hand, Sarah transforms historical stories into delectable dishes you can recreate at home.
Sarah's culinary adventure began with a thrift store find: The First Ladies Cook Book: Favorite Recipes of All the Presidents of the United States. Her Instagram has since become a hotspot for history enthusiasts and food lovers. Read more
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