All The President’s Pastries: Roland Mesnier
Roland Mesnier was born in a small French town to a large, poor family. He ended up at the White House as the Executive Pastry Chef for 25 years.
All the President’s Pastries: 25 Years in the White House, A Memoir is an account of his childhood, culinary training and rise to the top. He also talks about his time and the personalities he encountered working in the White House. He baked through 5 Presidential families starting with Jimmy Carter. In 25 Years he never made the same dessert twice and baked everything from personal meals to State Dinners. It seems that Bill Clinton is allergic to dairy, flour and chocolate and Nancy Reagan was “moody”…is that a surprise?
This extraordinary success-story-told by the hero himself-of a young French pastry chef who climbed his way to the top, embodies the great American dream. After working at the Savoy in London, the George V in Paris, the Princess in Bermuda, and the Homestead in Virginia, Roland Mesnier took on the job of a lifetime as pastry chef to the White House. He provides behind-the-scenes insight into the characters, tastes, and obsessions of the five presidents and first ladies he served during his 25 years in Washington. Having witnessed major world events from the hub of the world’s superpower, Mesnier has unique perspective on both crises and celebrations. He recounts stories such as Carter’s incessant battle for the return of American hostages in Tehran, the aftermath of the attempt to assassinate Reagan, Bush senior’s doubts after the war in Kuwait, and the shock of September 11. He uncovers intimate details such as Mrs. Reagan’s bad moods and Prince Charles’s embarrassment at not knowing how to use a tea bag. Fiercely loyal to each of the first families, Mesnier’s bipartisan message is positive and inspirational. Twelve easy-to-follow recipes include the favorite desserts of presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
The customer reviews for the most part are positive. Some think he is a little bit of a bragard. I would think that an Executive Pastry Chef for the White House probably would be a bit of a bragard. Some thought that his political leanings were obvious. Again, Mesnier is French. My guess is maybe….he leans a little to the left? But most really liked the stories and most notably the inspirational story of rags to riches. He does have a collection of recipes in the back of favorites from the Executive Office.
The book is available at booksellers and Amazon.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Book
1 opinion for All The President’s Pastries: Roland Mesnier
Basic To Beautiful Cakes
Dec 17, 2007 at 8:32 am
[...] Dessert University guided you through the basics of baking and over 300 recipes. His next book, All the President’s Pastries was a memoir and recipe book. In his new endeavor, he wants to guide you step-by-step on creating [...]
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: