White House's Filipina chef returns to UP

MANILA - It's the first time for Chris Comerford to set foot on the UP campus after cutting short her food technology studies to immigrate to the United States with her entire family. Thirty years later, her alma mater honored the first woman and minority to become executive chef of the White House. Comerford may not be preparing traditional Filipino fare like adobo in the White House kitchen, but she said her flavor profiles are Filipino-inspired and the dishes she serves President Obama, his family and guests will always have that Pinoy touch. "Filipinos love their garlic. If there's anyone I could like figure this around, but do it in American fashion," she said. Comerford grew up in the flood prone district of Sampaloc in Manila. She said the surroundings inspired her to work in the kitchen. "It's the university belt so you see a lot of students and boarders around our neighborhood so our house is just basically like everyday, just the smell of food. Mom had to cook food for at least like 20 people every meal. So for me growing up, food is such part of my life," she said. Comerford did not aim to be a chef in the beginning even if she loved cooking. But there were no jobs in food technology when she migrated to the US. Being a salad girl at a Chicago hotel was meant to be a temp job until Chris realized her real passion. She has served two presidents since becoming executive chef in 2005. Mornings@ANC, June 25, 2013