The dish on Comerford, her role in the Barack Obama White House

WASHINGTON D.C. — The election of Barack Obama to the presidency may have the unintended consequence of affecting the position of a prominent member of the Fil-Am community. Reports that he is scouting around for a White House chef puts in question the fate of Cristeta Pasia-Comerford, the first woman executive chef of the White House, who was handpicked by First Lady Laura Bush in 2005. Philippine News learned that Comerford, 46, will remain part of the White House residence staff, but could lose her title. “Cristeta Comerford is a member of the White House residence staff and will remain as part of the White House residence staff," Julie Adams, a spokeswoman for Mrs. Bush, told PN. Comerford’s fate remains up in the air, although the possibility exists that prospective First Lady Michelle Obama may keep her. “She serves at the pleasure of the President," added Adams. Mrs. Bush appointed Comerford in August 2005, impressed by how this Filipina has prepared an elaborate and delicious dinner for visiting Indian Prime Minister Manohan Singh. Her main responsibility is designing and executing menus for state dinners and social events. Not to mention holiday functions, receptions and luncheons hosted by the Bush family. Trained in French classical techniques specializing in ethnic and American cuisine, she currently presides over a staff of five to 25 full time employees. Comerford was hired during the Clinton years when then White House Executive Chef Walter Scheib III recruited her as his assistant in 1995. Thus far, three names are said to be being considered for her position of chef to President Obama. They are chefs Rick Bayless, Art Smith, and Daniel Young. Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef, is a proponent of organic foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Daniel Young cooked for Obama during the Democratic National Convention. He is known for his seafood stew with crab-stuffed chicken breast. Rick Bayless is on the list as well not only for his Mexican specialty but also because he is from Chicago, where the Obamas are long-time residents. In his book, Scheib, Comerford’s predecessor, said first ladies like to leave their mark on the White House kitchen. “Jackie Kennedy brought French cuisine to the White House. Hillary Clinton hired me to bring American cuisine to the table. And Laura Bush hired the first woman chef for the White House," he said in his memoir, “White House Chef: Eleven Years, Two Presidents, One Kitchen" Watchers of history are waiting to see how Mrs. Obama would make her mark on the First Kitchen. - GMANews.TV