Profile: Barbara Lynch for White House Chef

By JULIETTE ROSSANT Chef Barbara Lynch was born and raised in Boston, MA. She is chef/owner of three Boston restaurants: No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, and The Butcher Shop. Her mentors are French chefs Alaine Ducasse, Daniel Boulud, and Gualtiero Marchesi. Does Barbara like cooking for large numbers of people? "I do. The largest event I have done alone was Boston’s annual Green and White Ball." What are her favorite dishes? " Spring vegetable fricasse with poached egg, Artichoke and haricot Vert salad, Buffalo milk ricotta ravioli with tomato and basil, Foie Gras terrine with rhubarb gelee, Vermont lamb duet, and Preserved Lemon tart with strawberry rhubarb." What would Barbara’s mission be as White House Chef? "To bring back to the White House the elegance and style that Jackie O. brought. She introduced classic French cuisine and fine dining to the White House and the country, and I would want to mirror that – an emphasis on classic European cuisine that features a modern simplicity and showcases our country’s bountiful produce from local farmers and growers." Why does Barbara think the job of White House chef is important? "The position can set the tone for the importance of cuisine in this country as well as the level of skill in America." Why is it important that a woman be chosen? "In a traditionally male-dominated profession, having a female in such a public and prestigious position would encourage more young women to pursue a culinary career and highlight the ability of female chefs." What would Barbara serve the President and First Lady on a "quiet evening"? "I would prepare classic comfort foods: a smooth bisque, a roast chicken, vanilla ice cream, but each dish would feature refined European technique and exquisite American Artisanal items. Simple but special. Chestnut bisque with crispy sweet breads and chanterelle mushrooms, Roast chicken breast with robiolo, Salad of bibb lettuce with haricot vert, Vanilla glace with rum raisin sauce and a wild wheat tuile. What would she serve for a State banquet? "A State Dinner should exude the fresh modern elegance that is so American. The menu would feature fresh seafood, game, and produce from around the country prepared using classic French and Italian techniques." She suggests: Cauliflower chaudfroid with oysters, American caviar and celery foam; Butter-poached Maine lobster; Pheasant duet, truffle flan; Coco mille fuille, bergamont crème. What is Barbara’s favorite snack? "Popcorn with butter and Brigham’s vanilla ice cream." What would she bring for an airplane picnic? "Vegetable crudite, black olive aioli, cold sweet potato soup and grilled cheese panini. Chocolate shortbread cookies and Illy coffee." What is her favorite cookbook? "Cafe Boulud." What career would she choose, were she not a chef? "Inventor. I love to create new things and think of different ways to do things." Previous Profiles for White House Woman Chef: Profile: Suzanne Goin for White House Chef Profile: Louise Lamensdorf for White House Chef Profile: Anita Jaisinghani for White House Chef Profile: Julie Francis for White House Chef Profile: Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger for White House Chef Profile: Traci Des Jardins for White House Chef Profile: Anita Lo for White House Chef Profile: Sara Moulton for White House Chef Profile: Nora Pouillon for White House Chef Profile: Scooter Kanfer for White House Chef Profile: Cat Cora for White House Chef Profile: Diane Forley for White House Chef Previous articles: Shortlisting White House Chefs? Times-Picayune: Spicer for President(ial chef) NAMC Newswire: A Woman in the White House Before 2008? Ventura, CA, Gets Into White House Chef Search Dallas-Ft. Worth Notes Chef Louise's White House Nomination Roland Mesnier's Dessert University Congratulations: James Beard Awards Nominees Ojai Valley News: Diane Forley for White House Chef Denver Supports Jennifer Jasinski for White House Chef James Beard Awards: Dearth of Top Women Chefs? Today Show Emulates Iron Chef America Wireless Flash: White House Woman Chef Fortune Smiles on superchefblog's White House Chef Poll Cat Cora Wins on Iron Chef America Anita Lo Defeats Mario Batali on Iron Chef America Atlantic Monthly: White House Chefs Cat Cora, Anita Lo: Sexing Up Iron Chef America Joe Guzzardi: If Not Governor, White House Chef Reminder 1: Vote for White House Woman Chef Vote For White House Woman Chef Superchefblog: Catalyst for White House Woman Chef? --> back to superchefblog