Cristeta Comerford, a 10-year veteran of the White House kitchen, is the new executive chef there.

    BEIJING, Aug. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Cristeta Comerford, a Filipino-American and 10-year veteran of the White House kitchen became the first female White House executive chef yesterday after a lengthy selection process.

    Laura Bush, the American first lady, said she was delighted that Ms. Comerford, who has been an assistant chef in the White House since the mid-90's, had accepted the job. "Her passion for cooking can be tasted in every bite of her delicious creations," Mrs. Bush said.

    "This is great news," said Evan Garcia, deputy chief of mission at the Philippine Embassy in Washington. "Ms. Comerford obviously has reached the pinnacle of her profession and she does all Filipinos proud. Maybe she can start offering lumpias in the White House." Lumpias are a popular Filipino version of egg rolls, Garcia explained.

    Comerford, 41, who immediately left on vacation with her husband, was unavailable for comment but had said in an earlier interview that she was very pleased to be considered.

    Ms Comerford succeeds Walter Scheib III, who left in February, apparently after disagreements with Mrs. Bush.

    In the months that followed, top chefs including Patrick O¡¯Connell, of the Inn at Little Washington, and Eric Ziebold, of CityZen at the capital¡¯s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, are said to have spurned the White House¡¯s overtures.

    They may well have decided that they can get more money, publicity and independence staying put.

    The salary is $80,000 (¡ê44,000) to $100,000 and the executive chef is barred from book contracts, making television appearances and giving endorsements.

    (Agencies)