Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, an organization that represents more than 2,000 culinary professionals around the United States, has asked first lady Laura Bush to consider selecting a woman as White House chef.
"Women are just as able as men to run top kitchens, whether it be the kitchen of the White House or a hotel or restaurant," said Bonnie Moore, president of the group.
In a letter to the White House dated Monday, the group pointed to President Bush's record of promoting women, most notably Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, as an indication that he sees "beyond gender when looking for individuals to manage our nation's most important affairs."
"American women have made great strides toward equality," the letter states. "Yet in the food service industry, where more than 50 percent of the workforce is women, few reach the upper echelons of their profession. . . .
"Throughout our history, women have been at the helm of feeding America's families," the letter states. "Now is the time to have a woman at the helm of feeding America's First Family."
Susan Whitson, the first lady's press secretary, declined to address the letter specifically Monday. "We're considering a wide range of individuals who would best meet the needs for White House functions," she said.
"There's a glass ceiling for social and cultural reasons," said Moore, executive chef and culinary director of FoodFit.com, who for three years was the sous chef at the Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va. "The model of a chef is a European male, particularly a French male. That's been the norm since the birth of professional kitchens. . . .
"But now that doesn't make sense. America is now a leader in the culinary world, and women have risen to positions as executive chefs all around the country," she said. "This is a great opportunity for the White House to set more of an example for the rest of the world."
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs was founded in 1993 to promote the education and advancement of women in the industry.
