Hans Raffert facts for kids
Hans Raffert (left) in 1992
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| Born | March 11, 1927 Hanover, Germany |
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| Died | March 3, 2005 (aged 77) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
| Cooking style | French cuisine |
Hans F. Raffert (March 11, 1927 – March 3, 2005) was a talented German American chef. He held a very special job: he was the White House Executive Chef from 1988 to 1992. This meant he cooked for the President of the United States and their family! He was also the first White House chef to build a giant gingerbread house every year for the White House Christmas celebrations.
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Becoming a Chef
Hans Raffert was born in Hildesheim, Germany, on March 11, 1927. His dad was a baker, and this made Hans interested in cooking from a young age.
Starting His Career
When he was 14, Hans began an apprenticeship in cooking. This was a common way for young people in Germany to learn a trade. He worked four days a week in a kitchen and spent two days in school. His training finished in 1941 when he was 17.
World War II was happening then. Hans decided to join the Kriegsmarine, which was the German navy. Being a cook in the navy helped him avoid the dangers of fighting on the front lines. It also meant he had enough food, which was rare for many Germans during the war.
Working Around the World
After the war, Hans trained at different hotels in West Germany. In 1951, he moved to Switzerland. Then, in 1952, he went to Stockholm, Sweden. There was a big need for chefs because of the 1952 Winter Olympics nearby in Oslo, Norway.
He stayed in Sweden for about seven and a half years. During this time, he worked on cruise ships for the Swedish American Line. He even sailed around the world three times!
In 1957, Hans moved to the United States. He didn't speak much English at first. He worked in hotels in New York City for about a year. Then he moved to Washington, D.C.. For eight years, he was the chef de cuisine, or executive chef, at the Hotel Washington. In 1966, he became a citizen of the United States.
Cooking at the White House
In 1969, Hans Raffert got a job at the White House. The Executive Chef, Henry Haller, hired him as a sous-chef. A sous-chef is like the second-in-command in the kitchen.
Life as a White House Chef
The White House kitchen staff was small, with only six people. Hans arrived just before Chef Haller went on vacation. This meant Hans had to quickly take charge of a big state dinner for the German Chancellor just three days later!
In November 1969, Hans Raffert made the very first official White House gingerbread house. This became a beloved tradition for the Christmas holidays.
Becoming Executive Chef
Chef Haller retired in 1987. Another chef, Jon Hill, took over, but he didn't stay long. He resigned after only five months. On January 9, 1988, Hans Raffert became the Acting Executive Chef.
He did such a great job that First Lady Nancy Reagan decided he was the best person for the job. On March 3, he was officially named the White House Executive Chef. Hans was the first chef to be promoted to this top role from inside the White House staff.
Cooking for Presidents
As sous-chef and then executive chef, Hans Raffert cooked for the First Family every day. He also prepared meals for many important events, like state dinners and other parties.
He cooked for a "welcome home" event for 1,200 Vietnam War prisoners of war in 1973. In 1978, he prepared a dinner for 1,300 people to celebrate the signing of the Camp David accords.
Hans really enjoyed cooking for the First Families. First Lady Pat Nixon loved roast duck, which was also one of Hans's favorites. President Jimmy Carter and his family enjoyed big Sunday meals, just like many American families. Their daughter, Amy Carter, even baked cookies in the White House kitchen, with Hans watching over her!
Hans Raffert retired in October 1992, just before his 65th birthday. He was known for tasting food as he cooked. After retiring, he even lost 20 pounds! Another chef, Frank Ruta, who trained with Hans, said he was an amazing cook. He called Hans a "walking encyclopedia of classical cooking."
Personal Life
Hans Raffert was married twice. He had a son named Patrick with his first wife, Annemarie. In 1976, he married his second wife, Doris. They lived in Alexandria, Virginia.
Hans Raffert passed away on March 3, 2005, in Alexandria. He was survived by his wife, Doris, and his son, Patrick. A funeral service was held, and he was cremated. His ashes were placed at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria.
