US first lady Laura Bush, on a quest for the last six months to give White House menus a lighter, more American flair, has hired Philippine-born Cristeta Comerford as the mansion?s new head chef, the first woman to hold the job.

Ethnic and American cuisines are Comerford?s specialties but she also knows the French classical cooking that her predecessor did well. ?She is able to do a wide array of dishes,? said Susan Whitson, spokeswoman for the first lady. ?In both their official dinners and personal menus, the president and the first lady are interested in healthy food with lots of fresh ingredients but that is also infused with a lot of flavor.? Longtime chef Scheib was hired from the exclusive Greenbrier resort by former first lady Hillary Clinton.

Mrs Bush had hoped to find someone whose tastes were more in sync with hers and those of her husband. President George W. Bush is known to enjoy cheeseburgers but the Bushes, who are both health conscious, are also fond of upscale Tex-Mex cooking with light, spicy accents. During their first four years, the Bushes have hosted just four state dinners.