Born: 1962 (Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines)
Biography:
Cristeta Pasia Comerford, born on October 27, 1962, is a Filipino-American chef who has made history as the White House executive chef since 2005. Hailing from Sampaloc, Manila, in the Philippines, she is the first woman and the first person of Asian origin to hold this prestigious position. Comerford’s journey to becoming the executive chef at the White House is filled with resilience, talent, and a passion for culinary arts.
Born as Cristeta Gomez Pasia, she grew up on Cataluña Street in Sampaloc, Manila. Her parents, Honesto Pasia and Erlinda Gomez, instilled in her a love for food and cooking from a young age. Comerford completed her secondary education at the Manila Science High School and later attended the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon City, where she pursued a degree in food technology. However, at the age of 23, she made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States.
Comerford’s culinary career in the United States commenced at the Sheraton Hotel near O’Hare International Airport. She quickly garnered recognition for her skill and craftsmanship in the kitchen, leading her to land a position at the esteemed Hyatt Regency hotel. Her talents eventually brought her to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a chef at two well-regarded restaurants. Comerford also spent six months in Vienna, Austria, as a rotating chef, further enhancing her culinary expertise.
In 1995, Comerford’s exceptional talent caught the attention of White House executive chef Walter Scheib III, who recruited her to join the culinary team at the Clinton White House as an assistant chef. Her dedication and skill continuously impressed her colleagues and superiors, leading her to rise through the ranks.
Following Scheib’s resignation in February 2005, the mantle of the White House executive chef was bestowed upon Comerford by First Lady Laura Bush on August 14, 2005. In taking on this role, Comerford made history as the first woman to hold this esteemed position. Her appointment was a testament to her remarkable culinary skills and her ability to handle high-profile events with grace and precision. Notably, she had earned this recognition by successfully overseeing a grand dinner held in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Comerford’s talents in the kitchen have been appreciated by multiple U.S. administrations. When the Obama transition team announced their administration’s head chef, Cristeta Comerford was named as the incumbent. First Lady Michelle Obama acknowledged her admirable dedication as a mother, highlighting their joint commitment to promoting healthy eating and healthy families.
Comerford’s culinary prowess extends beyond the doors of the White House. She showcased her skills on a special two-hour episode of Iron Chef America in January 2010, where she partnered with renowned chef Bobby Flay and competed against a formidable team of Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali.
As chef to a head of state, Comerford has earned membership in the esteemed Le Club des Chefs des Chefs, an exclusive organization consisting of the world’s top chefs serving heads of state.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Comerford maintains a fulfilling personal life. She resides in Columbia, Maryland, with her husband, John, and their daughter, Danielle.