Who will be America’s next top chef?

As Obama starts packing his bags to take his place at the White House, Cris (pictured above) might just be doing the same to do the opposite.

Cristeta “Cris” Comerford, 46,  is the White House Executive Chef since 2005. She was appointed by First Lady Laura Bush, making her the first female executive chef and the first Filipina to be considered for this position. Did you know that since John F. Kennedy came to Office, the First Lady was accustomed to choose the chef who will cook and prepare meals that epitomize the taste and grandeur of the present administration at receptions and state dinners?

Born as Cristeta Pasia,  she grew up in Sampaloc, Manila. Took up Food Technology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, though she did not finish her degree. She had to leave school, at 23, to migrate to the United States. She worked at several prestigious hotels and restaurants until she joined the team of Walter Scheib III in 1995 during the Clinton administration. Ten years later, Cris replaced Scheib when he resigned as executive chef.

As she seals her fate in the hands of the next President, or rather, First Lady, Cris has truly made her mark in the hearts of many aspiring Filipino chefs, and me! She has definitely made me feel proud again to be Filipino (after a long time!).

Image credit: Reader’s Digest