Obama has four chefs-why?

Who knows. It definitely appears to be going overboard there...

I had heard about the party time on Wednesdays. They seem to be great on entertaining and want to keep the White House open for everybody to come (but thus far those entertainment events were pretty much invitation only, lol). Anyhow, in this time and age, do we really have to hire music greats and such to entertain in the White House. Who is paying for that? Most likely not the Obama's. They seem to have a good ole time while the rest of us has to cut out the partying in an effort to tighten our belts. They really should set a better example IMO.

Next we'll hear 'let them have cake!'

You can expect the President to make his own PB&J sandwiches. j/k Seriously, this is scrapping at the bottom of the barrel. Surely there are more scandalous things out there. Bush probably had four chefs himself. Why can't the Democrats and Republicans get their head on straight? I hate to say it but Republicans are fighting for next election. They don't care about what is going on. They only care about smearing Obama at the moment. But I could careless about any of you. Throw all the Democrats and Republicans in the landfill and start over.

I don't have a problem with the 4 chefs but a party every Wednesday. Some of his actions strike me as here is someone who has just won the lottery and wants to see how the other half lives. It makes you wonder what he will do next to make new friends, rent out rooms for the night?

I remember when Laura Bush was looking for a new chef to replace the one she had let go and she hired the first female Executive Chef...Cristeta Comerford. Cristeta had a staff of five full time employees at that time which would increase as needed...up to 25. She's still the White House Executive Chef and the chef the Obama's brought with them from Chicago works under her. Keep in mind that the White House has three kitchens and routinely employs at least four chefs under the Executive Chef, who is responsible for working with the First Lady and the White House Social Secretary, for many administrations...not just this one. There is also an Executive Pastry Chef who operates as a separate entity, but coordinates with the Executive Chef for all meals and events.


The reason for so many chefs is necessity. The President hosts State Dinners, receptions, etc. for visiting dignitaries and has other social obligations. There is also the issue of day-to-day non-official meals. There is a large staff working in the White House and I doubt they run out to McDonalds for lunch. It would be impossible for one chef, even with an assistant, to run the White House kitchens so I don't see it as extravagant.

I may be wrong, but I think the family is responsible for providing their own personal food. If he can afford a chef, fine. I resent the expense if we are paying for it, though, especially since we're scrounging to find the money to buy food.

Well, let him know that you just spotted a wasteful spending in the White House kitchen that would have to be cut to help balance the budget! Unless, of course, the president is about to feed us all!

I guess several others have beaten me to the punch as far as saying why four chefs and that previous Presidents have had just as many. However, I was a bit confused as to why Laura Bush had found it necessary to buy new china a few weeks before they left the White House.
Annie

It is ridiculous but most of our presidents in our time have had full kitchen staffs, as well as florist and maids, people who keep the white house running.

i have no clue why he would have so much chefs, well at least he wont go hungry lol i now i wouldnt

I saw on a news program that there were several interns there working in the kitchen as well. I'm not sure if they are paid or not. I can see a need for many chefs when a state dinner is being prepared, but do we really need to be having that many at this time. Maybe they should keep one with a kitchen staff, and cater the other events. And any staff that is preparing meals for the First Family should be paid for by the First Family. My employer doesn't buy and prepare my lunches. I don't really care how many people work at the White House, they can bring a sack lunch for all I care. Or the President can spend some of his money to foot the bill. It's not like he's spending any of his $400,000/yr for being President on rent or utilities.