WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — The White House's executive chef has retired after nearly three decades of preparing reception menus and formal dinners for five presidents and their families.

Cris Comerford’s last day was Friday.

She was the first woman to hold the job, and also the first person of color to be executive chef. First lady Jill Biden thanked Comerford for her service in a statement on Tuesday.

“I always say, food is love. Through her barrier-breaking career, Chef Cris has led her team with warmth and creativity, and nourished our souls along the way," Jill Biden said in a statement. "With all our hearts, Joe and I are filled with gratitude for her dedication and years of service.”

Comerford, 61, sharpened her culinary skills while working at hotels in Chicago and restaurants in Washington before the White House brought her on in 1995 as an assistant chef.

A naturalized U.S. citizen and a native of the Philippines, she was named executive chef in 2005. Her responsibilities as executive chef included designing and executing menus for state dinners, social events, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons.

She and pastry chef Susie Morrison — also the first woman in that job — formed a duo that has treated guests at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with their culinary creations for nearly a decade.

Comerford's last state dinner was in May for Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife, Rachel.

At that event, the White House served chilled heirloom tomato soup along with a main course of smoked beef short ribs and butter-poached lobster. Dessert featured a homemade white chocolate basket filled with raspberries, peaches and other fruit.

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