Discover the hidden culinary history of Asian heritage chefs who’ve served U.S. presidents. Host Lauren Clarke welcomes food historian Adrian Miller and chef Deborah Chang, co-authors of “Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste.” From Lee Ping Quan’s presidential yacht service in the 1920s to Chef Cristeta Comerford’s 19-year tenure as White House Executive Chef, learn how these talented cooks navigated anti-Asian immigration policies while introducing authentic dishes to America’s first families.
The episode explores how military service provided a pathway to citizenship, reveals surprising fusion recipes from presidential kitchens, and demonstrates food’s power as cultural diplomacy. Plus, the latest immigration news with Rob Taylor.
This episode is part of our ongoing “Food of Immigrants” series, this month featuring stories that highlight Asian American, Hawaiian, and Native Pacific Islander heritage during their heritage month.
GUESTS: Co-Authors of “Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste”
Adrian Miller, Author, Food Historian, James Beard Award Winner
Deborah Chang, Chef, Recipe Developer, Attorney
HOST: LAUREN CLARKE
NEWS NERD: ROB TAYLOR
PRODUCER: ADAM BELMAR
Show Links:
Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste