White House Chef: Who Should It Be?

**Update: Rick Bayless has put the brakes on speculation that it will be him.**

The New York Daily News reported on Sunday that three chefs are supposedly under consideration for the Obamas' White House chef. They are former Oprah chef Art Smith, authentic Mexican chef and food oracle Rick Bayless, and NBA star Carmelo Anthony's personal chef, Daniel Young.

I don't know if any of the three are seriously in contention for the job (the reporting was not exactly definitive), but if they are, I think Art Smith would be the odds-on favorite. In any case, the story got me thinking about who could or should get the job.

Keep reading for SeriousEats.com suggestions.

And this made us wonder: who is the White House chef now? His name is Walter S. Scheib III, and his story, according to the White House website, is as follows.

While attending the Culinary Institute of America, Walter gained valuable experience in the kitchens of the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC. After graduation, the Capitol Hilton rapidly promoted him from Apprentice to Executive Chef. Following his departure from the Hilton in 1986, Chef Scheib took the position of Executive Chef at the Boca Raton Club and Resort and managed food preparation, service, and staff for the full service resort and hotel.

Walter moved from Florida to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia in 1990 to become the Executive Chef at The Greenbriar, long one of this country's most prestigious grand hotels. However his tenure at The Greenbriar was short lived when in April 1994 he was selected to join the staff of the Executive Residence at the White House as Executive Chef.

As Executive Chef at the White House, Chef Scheib's duties include managing and preparing all menus and meals for the First Family and their private entertaining, as well as official and state function of the presidency. He is in charge of a full-time staff of five and oversees a part-time staff of 20.

Who do you think the White House chef should be?

**What will the Obamas be eating? See a video of the family making tuna salad and discussing their favorite foods.

Comments

[phillygirl64]

You updated to tell us Bayless is saying no, but not to correct the article re: Cristeta Comerford? WTF?!

[mlaiuppa]

Why does the Executive Chef have to be replaced? Is Walter Schieb retiring?

[tryharder2think]

It's normal that the entire staff is replaced...

[fountainpen]

Walter Scheib left the White House in 2005. This reporter has his/her facts a little out of whack. The current chef is Walter's former sous chef Cristeta Comerford. Ms. Comerford is the the first executive female chef in our country.

Walter is now in the celebrity ranks. He tours the country giving dozens of talks, interviews, etc. I would imagine that along with the promotion of his book White House Chef + the invitations to speak, he probably makes more money now than he ever did in the White House.

[Topgun2]

Justin Wilson- "How Y'all are?"

[Mahi Joe]

As much as I would love to see Rick get the nod for WH chef I really want him to stay in Chicago. Rick has, for many years, raised a lot of money for many charitable groups here in Chicago with his donation of hosting private parties that were auctioned off. His entire family has been active in helping so many here in Chicago. How about giving Rick "Visiting Chef" position allowing him to serve both, the WH and his community here in Chicago?

[geowizerd]

Personally, I'd go for Bayless myself. I've made several of his recipes from his TV show, and not only is he incredibly knowledgable about various regional cuisines of Mexico, but the man can really cook! I doubt it will be Rick though, because:

* He owns two very popular spots in Chicago, and I've heard he's pretty hands-on there.

* He has a family (his daughter is often on his show), and probably doesn't want to uproot them.

* He still has his show to do.

* Mexican food is one of my favorites (tied with Indian), but it's probably not the best choice for international state dinners.

But like I said, if it was me, the Russians and Chinese would have to learn to like lobster with ancho and pasilla salsa, and green mole chicken!

[Badger84]

Anthony Bourdain.

[wdw102]

rev wright?

[tryharder2think]

You are the biggest right wing d0uch3 b4g on this site tr0ll boy

[GabrielXL]

I vote for Gordon Ramsey. *Hahahaha*

[Dashein]

What about Paula Deen?

[jsarets]

I read somewhere that Barack's favorite casual dinner is grilled salmon with steamed broccoli. Sensible and nutritious (not to mention a subtle jab at George H.W. Bush's famous hostility toward broccoli in the White House), but I hope his chef points him in the direction of more sustainable seafood choices. Try striped bass oven-steamed in a pile of fresh herbs, trout grilled on wood planks, or my newest favorite, smelt pan fried in a very light but highly seasoned breading.

[chronic]

The White House has 5 full time Chefs.

[chronic]

Michelle should have a "cook off" and she be the judge with the meals being annonymous.

[ChefMikeCleve]

I like the anonymous idea. A celebrity chef is a terrible idea. How about Mike Harrison from cleveland?

[elthelight]

I vote for Art Smith. I have had the pleasure and privilege of dining at the works of his hands on numerous occasions and his food is absolutely superb! He has an excellent spirit, loves the art of cooking and always presents that which is palatable and pleasing in its appearance. He is non-pretentious and will blend well with the Obama household. Oprah hires the creme of the crop! I'm rooting for you, Art!

elthelight

[winnieviola]

How about the lady Palin supposedly fired from the guv's mansion in AL? I'm sure she'd be better appreciated at the WH.

[mlaiuppa]

Not available. She still works for Palin. Just her job description changed.

[True2psu]

Review your Google results a little more carefully SeriousEats.com! Laura Bush appointed Cristeta Comeford as the White House executive chef in August 2005. Walter Scheib now works as a public speaker and consultant and has written a book called White House Chef. I doubt any serious-minded restaurant chef will take on the task - the White House kitchen is a notoriously cramped and difficult post. Tough to maintain an active media presence and self-promote when you've got White House duties.