Culinary Diplomacy Project with Former White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford

The Culinary Diplomacy at Monticello series, which launched during Civic Season 2025, continues this summer with a special event featuring former White House Executive Chef Cristeta “Cris” Comerford. Drawing on her historic tenure as chef for five U.S. presidents and inspired by the spirit of diplomacy that defined both her work and Jefferson’s, Chef Comerford will present a culinary reimagining of a Jefferson-era state dinner. Attendees will also join Comerford for an engaging discussion about how food bridges cultures and fosters understanding. 

Dinner Description

Chef Comerford will imagine what she might create for a Jefferson-era state dinner - blending global influences, seasonal ingredients, and the spirit of diplomacy that defined both her work and Jefferson’s. She will revisit and reinterpret Jefferson’s recipes, offering fresh perspectives on the tastes, techniques, and agricultural traditions of the early republic.

Central to the program is Monticello’s own garden, a living laboratory of Jefferson’s horticultural vision. Featuring produce grown on-site, the event highlights the enduring relevance of local, seasonal foodways and the ways in which gardens - and kitchens - can reflect broader cultural exchange.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, the Culinary Diplomacy Project connects past to present through the shared experience of food, inviting audiences to consider how what we grow, cook, and serve continues to shape national identity and international understanding.

Practical Information

Transportation to Montalto and parking will be provided at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center. Shuttle service will begin 20-minutes prior to the event time.

Cocktail attire is requested.

To reserve a vegetarian, gluten, shellfish, and nut-free meal, contact [email protected] a minimum of two weeks prior to the event. Regretfully dietary restrictions beyond this cannot be accommodated.

About Chef Comerford

Mother Teresa has said, “If you can’t feed a hundred hungry people, then just feed one.”

Cristeta “Cris” Comerford has fed not just one but hundreds and hundreds of people, not just kings and queens, presidents, royalties, and celebrities but also the poor and underprivileged because she has the talent, mastery, and the passion to serve and to share her culinary expertise.

Mrs. Comerford was the executive chef of the White House, a position she has held since the term of President George W. Bush. Recognizing her remarkable talent, creativity, and experience, First Lady Laura Bush appointed her in August 2005.

Mrs. Comerford, now one of the longest-serving White House executive chefs in history, has spent almost three decades cooking for five presidents and the First Families, eight Administrations and executed more than fifty State Dinners.

Mrs. Comerford propagates the concept of culinary diplomacy to connect Americans, countries, and cultures. The White House showcases the best of American food and in many special events, began including and incorporating food and cuisines from other nations. She is also an Honorary Member of the world’s most exclusive gastronomic society of Executive Chefs of Heads of States, “The Club Des Chefs Des Chefs”, founded by Gilles Bragard in 1976. She has earned numerous prestigious awards and recognitions including the coveted, French Order of the Agricultural Merit, bestowed by the French Republic and President Macron. The Former President of the Philippines, President Noy Noy Aquino, awarded Cris Comerford, “Pamana Ng Pilipino Award”, an award given to outstanding Filipinos across the globe.

Mrs. Comerford currently resides in Palm Beach County, Florida. She lives a full and rewarding life together with her husband John, and two fur babies, Cooper and Cloud. 

What is the Culinary Diplomacy Project at Monticello?

The Culinary Diplomacy Project at Monticello invites visitors to explore the power of food as a language of culture, creativity, and connection. Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s legendary dinners which were renowned for their cuisine and conversation, this series shares how food has been - and continues to be - a bridge for cultural understanding and communication. This dynamic program features prominent chefs, culinary experts, and historians exploring the intersection of food, history, and culture.

This engaging event series is presented in partnership with The Culinary Diplomacy Project, a nonprofit organization that seeks to educate people around the world about different cultures through culinary exchange.

Traveling to Charlottesville for this event?

Below are lodging recommendations so you can rest comfortably and enjoy the Culinary Diplomacy Event at Monticello.

Keswick Hall
701 Club Drive, Keswick, Virginia 22947
Keswick.com  |  Reservations & Hotel: 434.979.3440
Note: guests and members of Keswick Hall receive a special opportunity for a meet-and-greet with Chef Comerford ahead of dinner! After booking your reservation, let the hotel concierge know you’re attending the Culinary Diplomacy dinner at Monticello.

Boar’s Head Resort
200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
BoarsHeadResort.com  | Reservations: 844.611.8066

The Clifton
1296 Clifton Inn Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
The-Clifton.com  |  Reservations: 434.971.1800

Kimpton - The Forum Hotel
540 Massie Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
forumhotelcharlottesville.com | Reservations: 434.365.2600

The Draftsman
1106 West Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
TheDraftsmanHotel.com  |  Reservations: 434.984.8000

Omni Charlottesville Hotel
212 Ridge McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
OmniHotels.com/Hotels/Charlottesville  |  Reservations: 434.971.5500

Monticello gratefully acknowledges the partnership of More Perfect in our 250th anniversary initiatives.