It was just 12 years later, in 1995, that she was recruited by White House Executive Chef Walter Stanley Scheib III to be sous chef at the world’s most famous residence. Comerford became the White House executive chef in 2005, after a rigorous, monthslong selection process that drew 450 candidates, in a barrier-breaking moment—she was the first female, first minority and first Asian chef to hold the position since its inception in 1961. Now she has become one of the longest-serving executive chefs in White House history, an impressive feat in a city constantly reshaped by turbulent and unpredictable political headwinds. Delen nominated Comerford in February for the honorary doctorate, citing both the strides she’s made in the culinary world and humanitarian work she’s done in between. Aside from planning and preparing the daily meals of the president and his family, Comerford is also charged with leading the painstaking preparation of state dinners, the “highest form of reception” in the White House, according to UP’s citation.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 11, 2019 20:38 UTC