Born in Manila, Philippines, Cristeta “Cris” Comerford now works in the most famous house in the United States of America. Ms. Comerford became the first female and Filipino White House Executive Chef in August of 2005. Her many responsibilities include designing and executing menus for state dinners, social events, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons hosted by President and Mrs. Bush.

Trained in French classical techniques and specializing in ethnic and American cuisine, Ms. Comerford has worked as an Assistant Chef in the White House kitchen since 1995. She has helped develop inventive menus that showcased American foods and wines for special White House events including the State Dinner in honor of Her Excellency, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines; the Official Dinner in honor of His Excellency, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the Republic of India; and a social dinner in celebration of William Shakespeare's birthday.

Ms. Comerford received her bachelor's degree in Food Technology from the University of the Philippines and gained culinary experience serving as Chef Tournant at Le Ciel in Vienna, Austria; Chef at Le Grande Bistro at The Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C.; and Chef at The Colonnade at the ANA Hotel in Washington, D.C., where she implemented the "Culinary Arts Gallery" which showcased the best of American fine cuisine.

In addition, she collaborated with Chef John Ash to promote American game cooking and assisted and coordinated on the "East Meets West" promotion featuring the late Barbara Tropp. Ms. Comerford melds training received from institutions such as The Education Institute, American Hotel and Motel Association with experiences with some of the nation's most innovative chefs in the California wine country and San Francisco restaurants to produce original dishes with American flavor.

“Her passion for cooking can be tasted in every bite of her delicious creations.”
-First Lady Laura Bush commenting on the first female White House Executive Chef Cristeta “Cris” Comerford

“I cannot miss the chance to talk about one export that has risen to the top of her game and does the Philippines proud -- Cristeta Comerford, who is now the most visible chef in the world as the new Executive Chef for the White House in Washington, DC.
Congratulations, Cristeta!”
-President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her speech during the National Export Congress 2005