Hail to the Chefs: Inside America’s Most Famous Kitchen

Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint This event is currently in member pre-sale. Members can log in here to purchase tickets. The Bush Center welcomes two culinary figures who helped shape the modern history of White House dining: Cristeta Comerford, former White House Executive Chef, and Bill Yosses, former White House Executive Pastry Chef. During Hail to the Chefs: Inside America’s Most Famous Kitchen, Comerford and Yosses will offer an insider’s look at how meals come to life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue — from the precision and diplomacy of State Dinners to the warmth of family meals in the residence. Comerford, appointed Executive Chef by First Lady Laura Bush in 2005 and the first woman to hold the role, led the White House kitchen for nearly two decades until her retirement in 2024. Yosses, hired by Mrs. Bush in 2007, served as Executive Pastry Chef through 2014, earning national recognition for his inventive – and healthy – desserts. Together, they’ll pull back the curtain on the traditions, logistics, and creativity behind presidential hospitality — including an extended dive into holiday cooking and baking, one of the most beloved and demanding seasons in the White House culinary calendar. The conversation promises to be richly informative, full of stories, and irresistibly fun. * Note: In consideration of our speakers and guests in attendance, the program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly to avoid any delays for your arrival. If you have not already activated your account, please see below steps on how to set up your account. Your ticket purchase includes entry to the event and conversation. The George W. Bush Institute entrance is located on Bush Avenue. Please reference the map below. Upon your arrival, Bush Center staff will direct you to the Auditorium. Seating for this event will be general admission in the Auditorium. Beverages will be available to purchase at the cash bar. If you wish to bring your beverage into the auditorium, a reusable tumbler can be purchased for $4.00. These are available at point of sale. Please refer to the parking maps below for the best accessible routes as well as drop-off and pick-up points. If you plan to walk from the Bush Center Visitor Parking Lot, you can expect it to be about a 10-minute walk. Accessible seating is available at the entry-level of the auditorium. All other accessible seating is subject to the configuration for the various events. If you need special assistance, please reach out to guest services during normal business hours at 214-200-4300 or via [email protected]. We have very limited parking on the SMU campus. Please note the parking options below. Using a ride-share service is highly encouraged. Drivers may drop off and pick up at the designated location on the map below. Please note the physical address of the Bush Institute is 6100 Bush Avenue, on the west side of the complex. The main Bush Museum entrance on SMU Boulevard will not be open. Limited event parking will be available in the Bush Center visitor lot located directly across the street from the George W. Bush Presidential Museum entrance (please reference the map below). Parking in these lots is available on a first-come, first-served basis. When using the crosswalk between the parking lot and the Bush Center, please make sure to illuminate the lights to let drivers know you are crossing. You will be required to present a photo ID and proceed through security screening. Prior to your arrival, review our list of prohibited items below. Event tickets are non-refundable. Unless otherwise indicated on the invitation you received, we are happy to transfer your tickets to another individual. Transfer requests should be requested by emailing [email protected] at least 24-hours prior to the event. When contacting us, please include your name, order number, and the name and email address of the individual to whom you wish to transfer your tickets. Please note that responses to email may take up to 48-hours for a response. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you soon.