The White House is not only the epicenter of American power and influence, a place where momentous political decisions are made and state affairs are determined. It is also a home where food plays a significant role in both daily life and grand official events. The role of the White House Executive Chef is a prestigious position that has been held by a select few, each bringing their unique culinary vision to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Recently, esteemed Chef Cris Comerford, the first woman and person of color to hold the position of Executive Chef, retired after nearly three decades of service. Her tenure saw the creation of exquisite menus for state dinners and social events, reflecting not only the nation’s hospitality but also its cultural diversity. But now the page has turned and a new chef must be found to take her place.
The departure of such a trailblazing figure leaves big shoes to fill, and rumors have emerged about a certain “Cesarine” announcing a run for the esteemed position. Who is Cesarine?
Cesarine.com is Italy’s first online platform of food experiences with a community of 1,500 amateur cooks and chefs who in 2023 opened the doors of their homes to 50,000 guests, mostly international (+65% compared to 2022) to offer cooking classes, dining experiences and food, wine, market tours.
Founded in 2004 in Bologna as the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of Italy’s Typical Culinary Gastronomic Heritage, in 2014 the community became a platform under the leadership of tech entrepreneur Davide Maggi – creator of some of Italy’s first digital startups and executive director of the Digital Marketing & Communication Executive Program at Bologna Business School. A widespread Slow Food community since 2019, on its 20th birthday Cesarine counts dozens of applications every week.
Now the Cesarine community is making a bold move: it is applying for the coveted position of White House Executive Chef. The community’s initiative, now spread throughout the country, envisions a quarterly rotation of amateur cooks and chefs, each representing a specific Italian region.
This would allow future White House tenants to be offered an authentic and varied culinary experience, from the fresh pasta of Emilia-Romagna to the Mediterranean flavors of Sicily, passing through the rich regional dishes of traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on the Mediterranean diet and its undoubted benefits.
This nomination would not only celebrate Italian home cooking, but also serve as a cultural bridge, fostering an exchange of ideas and traditions through the universal language of food. There are over a thousand different regional recipes that could be offered at the White House during a year-long quarterly rotation, along with stories, anecdotes and culinary traditions to enrich the White House experience.
The idea seems genial for Italians, but the question is, what will the White House selection committee think of it?
