Gail Skroback Hennessey

Walter Scheib

White House Executive Chef

1994-2005

1. What is an executive chef?

An executive chef is the head chef. As an executive chef at the White House. I was in charge of management of the kitchen: giving directions, making schedules,determining recipes,preparing the meals, etc. I was in charge of a full-time staff of six cooks and a part-time staff of 20-25. I was responsible for preparing for state dinners, barbecues for thousands of guest, luncheons and everyday meals for the first family.

2.Share a memory about the years you spent as White House Executive Chef?

The White house is a private home, and like many homes the kitchen is a gathering place. I was privileged to see the first family "not on stage" but as human beings, when they were away from the cameras and journalists. It was a true honor. I got to see the presidents in gym shorts, playing with their pets, their first family kids having sleep overs and the first ladies in curlers and wearing flip-flops.I especially liked that I got to meet the children of the first family, especially Chelsea Clinton. I saw her grow from a young girl to a young woman. I remember how as a girl, she loved eating Kraft Mac and Cheese(from the blue box)and not made from scratch. As she grew up she became a vegetarian and being responsible for the first family's meals, 3 times a day, seven days a week, I had to learn to find a variety of vegetarian dishes. I also enjoyed when Chelsea came to the kitchen to learn how to cook. After about 5 weeks of training, I gave her a chef coat and had a certificate made for her that she completed her cooking class.

3.Any negative aspects of being the White House Executive Chef?It is a demanding and physically exhausting job. I would come in an hour before the first family got up and leave late at night. It was common to work a 75-85 hour week. And,then, over holidays, a 105 hour work week was common. It was physically exhausting. Unlike people coming to a restaurant, you are cooking for the same people every day so the challenge is to learn the likes of the first family and then, try to give them new things to eat within their comfort area.

4.What got you interested in becoming a chef?

I was born to be a chef. I was in my mom's kitchen as young as 4-5 years old. My home was one where cooking was a big deal and different foods were always being tried. Some of my friends didn't wish to stay for dinner as they weren't sure just what would be served at dinner time!

5. What skills are necessary to become a chef?Can you suggest things that young people can start doing now?

Help you parents in the kitchen, watch cooking shows, develop management and math skills, people skills, communication and writing skills.

6.What did President George W. Bush like you to cook up for him? President Clinton?

President Bush liked things simple. No soup, salad, greens or "wet fish"(like poached). If it wasn't baked or fried, he wasn't interested. He loved grilled cheese sandwiches(cut on angles) and peanut butter and honey or a hamburger or BLT for lunch. Our job was to make the first family feel at home in the white House. President Bush liked southwestern foods such as chicken cheese enchiladas. President Clinton would not each veal but liked lamb. He liked nachos,hamburgers and quesadillas, especially when First Lady Clinton wasn't around to see that well balanced meals were on the menu.

7. Explain the preparation for a State Dinner.We might serve anywhere from 100-900 guests. A state dinner was an important affair,honoring a head of state, such as the Emperor and Empress of Japan or Nelson Mandela, of South Africa. It took months to get ready for such an event. First the likes/dislikes of the guests were discussed. Suggested menus were developed and shared with the First Lady who might offer additional suggestions. Usually a four course meal, the first was usually something in tribute to the guests of honor. We'd then have a tasting where the foods for the evening were made. Several rehearsal dinners were then done to make sure everything was done just right. Everything needs to go smoothly on the big night as not to embarrass the President and First Lady and to make sure all guests have a great time.