Who would have thought that we would be hosting a very special guest at the Genesee Country Inn?  Today a representative from the Genesee Country Village and Museum, Mr. Jim Mossgraber, stops by to tour the Inn and visit our King Suite, the Barcklow Room. I show him around and tell him about the Inn and the type of experience we provide our guests. He seems genuinely interested and thought that our Inn was exactly what he is looking for his guest.  I thank him and ask him to fill out the appropriate reservation form. As he is completing that, he says, "Thank you for your generous donation to the gala 'Hail to the Chief.'  We really appreciate your support. He begins to tell me everyone who will be there. "There will be a lot of press," he says.  I'm not surprised. It is a big fund-raising event and very good for my small community. Mr. Mossgraber asks, "Do you want to know who is staying here?" 
     "Yes," I reply, hoping I recognize the name.

     "Walter Scheib," he says, "The White House Chef."

     After I pick my jaw off the hardwood floor in the parlor, I say, "Really."
     Mr. Mossgraber smiles, nods, and shows me the hardcovered book he is carrying, The White House Chef by Walter Scheib. I reach for the book and carefully take it from his outstretched hands. The White House Chef.  I repeat those words in my head. The White House Chef.  Louder. THE WHITE HOUSE CHEF!!! Oh my God! The White House Chef is going to stay at our Inn!!! What an experience!
     Mr. Mossgraber retreives his book from my sweaty palms. "I've read this book several times already," he informs me.  I made a mental note to pick up a copy tomorrow. 
     "I will take very good care of Mr. Scheib," I reassure him .
     "I have no doubt," he says.
     I walk him to the door, shake his hand, and say "If there is anything I can do you Mr. Scheib or you, please let me know.
     "I will send over his itinerary as soon as I get it, " he says.
     "Thank you. I would appreciate it." I try to remain calm. I don't fake it very well.
     "Talk to you soon, Deborah," he says.
     I wave.  "Good bye," I say just above a whisper.  I turn to my husband.  I scream! "The White House Chef is staying here next week," I said while jumping up and down.  
     Richard's grin spreads from ear to ear. "So what are you cooking for breakfast?" he asks.
     My shocked look tells it all.
     "I don't think you should experiment that day," he recommends. "You have a week to think about it."
     My brain stops working. I can't even think that far ahead. Walter Scheib, the White House Chef! I wonder if he likes oven-baked pancakes?

Visit http://www.theamericanchef.com/index.asp to read more about Walter Scheib (1994-2005) the White House Executive Chef.