Product Description''An engaging book about life at the Executive Mansion. . . . Hillary Clinton had charged this fiercely competitive, meticulously organized chef with bringing 'what's best about American food, wine, and entertaining to the White House.' His sophisticated contemporary food was generally considered some of the best ever served there.'' --Marian Burros, New York Times
White House Chef
Join Walter Scheib as he serves up a taste--in stories and recipes--of his eleven years as White House chef under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Scheib takes readers along on his whirlwind adventure, from his challenging audition process right up until his controversial departure. He describes his approach to meals ranging from the intimate (rooftop parties and surprise birthday celebrations for the Clintons; Tex-Mex brunches for the Bushes) to his creative approach to bringing contemporary American cuisine to the ''people's house'' (including innovative ways to serve state dinners for up to seven hundred people and picnics and holiday menus for several thousand guests).
Scheib goes beyond the kitchen and his job as chef. He shares what it is like to be part of President Clinton's motorcade (the ''security bubble'') and inside the White House during 9/11, revealing how he first evacuates his staff and then comes back to fix meals for hundreds of hungry security and rescue personnel. Staying cool under pressure also helps Scheib in other aspects of his job, such as withstanding the often-changing ''temperature'' of the White House and satisfying the culinary sensibilities of two very different first families.
What Others Say
WHITE HOUSE CHEF
EXCELLENT COOKBOOK. I am very pleased and honored to have been able to purchase a copy of The White House Chef cookbook. Good detailed information, excellent recipes. I love the stories behind each recipe. Thank you for letting us share your eleven years as White House Executive Chef.
How it really was
I loved White House Chef: Eleven Years, Two Presidents, One Kitchen!
Walter did a great job showing us what his life and work at the White House were really like - I know because I was there with him, for all eight years of the Clinton administration. While I didn't spend much time IN the kitchen, I did have many opportunities to enjoy Walter's food, and it was always FABULOUS. It's clear Hillary encouraged him to create ever more innovative and creative menus, using the freshest, best ingredients from across the country.
It's too bad Mrs. Bush didn't value his talents more, but I guess if all you want is the same casserole every day (or a peanut butter sandwich for POTUS) then innovation and creativity don't matter so much ;-)
Captivating read, great recipes
This was a great look into the life of the White House chef, from the interview process to interactions with the first family and staff members to cooking for large crowds and dealing with last minute changes. The book contains interesting tidbits and stories while maintaining respect for the first family's privacy. Walter Scheib comes across as a methodical yet passionate chef, and someone that would be fascinating to spend an afternoon with. His personal preference for the Clintons over the Bushes is clear, but I thought that was an interesting aspect of what the chef must deal with on a day-to-day basis. I noticed that most of the negative reviews are based on disagreement with his personal preference for the Clintons, but if you are able to put ... Read More
IN THE KITCHEN WITH WALTER SCHEIB, WHITE HOUSE EXECUTIVE CHEF
This exceptionally fine book on what really goes on in the kitchen at the White House is simply a delightful and fun read. I marvel at how the author managed to satisfy two presidents, their families, and thousands of guests with his culinary talents and management skills.
If you enjoy reading about presidents Clinton and Bush and their families up close and personal from an executive chef's experience over eleven years in their kitchen at the White House and other places of interest, you will be pleasantly surprised and delighted - wishing for more! No political motivation here, just anecdotes, plenty of recipes, some pictures, some comparisons concerning food preferences, and plenty of insights.
Wonderful read!! Interesting and well written...a class book!
Anyone who is interested in The White House ...should read White House Chef: Eleven Years, Two Presidents, One Kitchen! Well done! A classic!
