Ponant Expeditions, in partnership with Club des Chefs des Chefs, will host a very special culinary cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot in January 2027.
This exclusive, immersive voyage brings together iconic figures from the world of haute cuisine and diplomacy, including Cristeta Comerford, former White House head chef.
During a voyage through the icy waters of the Baltic Sea, Ponant Expeditions and The Club des Chefs des Chefs, one of the world’s most exclusive gastronomic societies (there’s only one member per country except for China which has two), will showcase a unique cultural and gastronomic exchange, including insightful lectures, fascinating discussions, and tastings of iconic dishes once served to heads of state at official dinners, revealing what goes on behind the scenes at the White House and the Élysée Palace.
Guest of Honour Cristeta Comerford is the longest-serving former White House executive chef, the first woman and the first person of Asian descent to hold this prestigious position. She has cooked for five presidents and their families, under eight administrations, and has orchestrated over fifty State Dinners.
“The simple act of eating a meal together creates bonds,” says Comerford. “In all contexts, food is a social facilitator and a powerful conversation tool: a simple yet effective way to spark dialogue around the table. Culinary diplomacy is an essential reality. Every meal, especially State Dinners, is a unique opportunity. There are no second chances; everything has to be perfect the first time.”
She will be joined on the cruise by Guillaume Gomez, former head chef at the Élysée Palace, who rose through the ranks of the Palace kitchen to become head chef in 2013, serving four presidents and taking part in international events such as the G8 and G20 summits. In March 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron appointed him France’s Ambassador for Gastronomy, with the task of promoting French culinary arts at national and international events.
The chefs will also be joined by Sylvie Bermann, diplomat and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to three member states of the United Nations Security Council: China (2011-2014), the United Kingdom (2014-2017), and Russia (2017-2019). Each time, she was the first woman to hold the post. She is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the IHEDN (Institut des hautes études de défense nationale.
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