CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Forget Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay or Emeril Lagasse.
A former White House executive chef says celebrity chefs are more celebrities than chefs, and that whoever runs the kitchen for President-elect Barack Obama needs to be more about selfless service, not star power.
An Obama spokesman says it's too early to comment whether there'll be a new executive chef.
Outside speculation has focused on the former personal chef of Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony, Daniel Young, who cooked for Democrats during the Democratic National Convention in Denver; Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey's personal chef; and Rick Bayless, whose Chicago restaurant is a favorite of Obama's.
The head chef earns $80,000-$100,000 a year creating menus for state dinners, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons hosted by the president and first lady, while also feeding the president, his family and guests daily.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)