A Filipino-American: The White House Executive Chef, Mrs. Cristeta Pasia Comerford
Posted: Friday, May 01, 2009
by Nenita Wells
She is a mother, a wife who made culinary history.
In charge of cooking for the First Family.
The first female White House executive Chef.
Crafting elaborate dinners both formal and state.
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
She was born in the Philippines, just like me.
Attended the University of the Philippines majored in Food Technology.
A naturalized citizen of the U.S.A., she immigrated when she was twenty-three.
Trained in the Philippines, Austria and in the United States.
She is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a chef.
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
She was born in the Philippines, just like me.
"The Salad Girl", her older brother fondly calls,
She once worked in the salad bars in one of the Chicago hotels.
Her favorite movie is Babette's Feast.
Her favorite is her Mom's chicken-and-pork adobo dish.
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
She was born in the Philippines, just like me.
As a volunteer, one of the coolest thing she ever did
Was helped set up a barber shop for a group of kids.
Thomas Jefferson is the historical figure she most like to meet.
She is a Mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a chef
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
I pay homage to her every day specially on Mother's Day.
In charge of cooking for the First Family.
The first female White House executive Chef.
Crafting elaborate dinners both formal and state.
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
She was born in the Philippines, just like me.
Attended the University of the Philippines majored in Food Technology.
A naturalized citizen of the U.S.A., she immigrated when she was twenty-three.
Trained in the Philippines, Austria and in the United States.
She is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a chef.
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
She was born in the Philippines, just like me.
"The Salad Girl", her older brother fondly calls,
She once worked in the salad bars in one of the Chicago hotels.
Her favorite movie is Babette's Feast.
Her favorite is her Mom's chicken-and-pork adobo dish.
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
She was born in the Philippines, just like me.
As a volunteer, one of the coolest thing she ever did
Was helped set up a barber shop for a group of kids.
Thomas Jefferson is the historical figure she most like to meet.
She is a Mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a chef
She is my idol, I dreamed of dream, but I could never be.
I pay homage to her every day specially on Mother's Day.
By Nenita Wells
If you like to write prose and poetry, why not sign up as a new author today at: /Register.asp and you will be amazed at the outcome.
Good luck!
The author was born in one of the 7,100 islands in the Philippines, in Leyte where the famous American five-star general, Douglas MacArthur landed during WWII. She is one of eight children, and she has thirty-five nieces and nephews. She was raised by her parents to be a good Christian. Attended public school both in Elementary and High School in the Philippines. She went to college under the work and study program, earned her bachelor's degree with honors and her first paid full-time job was as secretary to the High School Principal, her first boss was a Benedictine Sister from Germany who was the Administrator of the Catholic school. She lived in New York City from 1977 to 2004 and now lives in Providence, Rhode Island. She loves to read and write poetry.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Very hearfelt. I don't know poetry very much, but it had a nice rythmic tempo to it, and was informative at the same time. Good work Nenita. I enjoyed reading it.LindaHi Linda,Thank you so much for reading my poem, it meant a lot to me. I am delighted to know that you liked it.May your day be filled with sunshine and laughter.Best regards,Nenita
Nenita,You have a gift and this was one of them!Well done and beautifully said,NancyNancy,Thank you for reading my poem and for your kind words.I am honored. I am a fan of yours and loved your article, "Oh, You're From Jersey", very interesting article.Nenita
Great article. Well done.A great way to set it out. I like.Thanks Connor.Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem/article.Have a good day!Your fan always,Nenita
I am not aware of this person, but you have paid her a great tribute.David,Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem.Nenita
Idols are so very important! Interesting how they make an impact on ones life usually without even knowing it. Thank youHi Jami.Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem. It meant a lot to me.Have a wonderful day.Best regards,Nenita
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