To land the job of "First Chef" you definitely need culinary chops. And while haute cuisine may be a job requirement, the White House chef takes orders, literally, from the prez. From creating ethnic menus to impress heads of state to whipping up White House kids’ favorites, First Chefs must be quick on their toes. Especially for the ever-changing palate of the most powerful (and sometimes picky) diner they'll ever have -- the president of the United States of America.

John F. Kennedy: 35th President
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the first president to shine a spotlight on the White House chef. His staff approached chef Jacques Pépin, but having already served for France's President Charles de Gaulle, he turned down the generous offer. "I loved Kennedy, but I had no inkling for the potential publicity in the White House," recalls Pépin. Turned out John Kennedy wasn't a big foodie; instead, he often had to be reminded to dine. When at the table, President Kennedy was true to his New England roots, munching on New England clam chowder, corn muffins, and baked beans.