Pierre Chambrin facts for kids
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Chambrin preparing Easter eggs for the
South Lawn Easter Egg Roll, 1993 |
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| Born | September 13, 1947 Paris, France |
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| Cooking style | French |
| Education | Ecole des Metiers de l'alimentation |
Pierre Chambrin was a very important chef. He was born on September 13, 1947. From 1989 to 1994, he had a special job. He was the White House Executive Chef. This means he was the main chef for the President of the United States. He cooked for the President and their family.
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Pierre Chambrin's Early Life
Pierre Chambrin was born in Paris, France. This happened on September 13, 1947. He loved cooking from a young age. He went to a special cooking school. It was called the Ecole des Metiers de l'alimentation. He studied there from 1961 to 1963.
In 1969, Pierre moved to the United States. He opened his own restaurant in Massachusetts. Later, in 1979, he took over a restaurant. It was called Maison Blanche. This restaurant was in Washington, D.C.. It was also very close to the White House.
Cooking at the White House
Pierre Chambrin became the White House Executive Chef in 1989. This was during the time of President George H. W. Bush. He took over from the previous chef, Hans Raffert.
When President Bill Clinton took office, some chefs wanted a change. A group of famous American chefs wrote a letter. They wanted a chef who would focus on American cooking. But Chef Chambrin said he already used American ingredients. He said his main goal was always to make sure the food was excellent.
A food writer named Ruth Reichl supported him. She wrote that he loved organic food. She also said he was excited about using seasonal ingredients. It was not common for a new president to choose a new chef.
However, in March 1994, Chef Chambrin left his job. The new administration wanted healthier food. They wanted meals with less fat. Chef Chambrin did not want to change his cooking style. Many news reports said he was asked to leave. But he said it was his own choice to resign. His team of three chefs also left the White House with him. After him, Walter Scheib became the new White House chef.
Later Career and Awards
After leaving the White House, Chef Chambrin continued his career. He became the main chef at the Saint Louis Club. This club is in St. Louis, Missouri.
He received many important awards for his cooking. In 2008, a group called the Maitres Cuisiniers de France named him "Chef of the Year." This is a very high honor for a chef. In 2013, another group, the Academie Culinaire de France, gave him a special award. It was called the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized his long and successful career in cooking.
Personal Life
Pierre Chambrin has been married to his wife, Linda, since 1977. They have two children, Sabrina and Pierre. He also has three grandchildren. In 1977, he became a citizen of the United States.
