About

Chef Sam Morgante is a native of Danville, Pennsylvania and a graduate of The First Coast Institute of Culinary Arts. He retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in 2005 after serving as a White House Chef under former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Chef Morgante has associated himself with the International Food Service Executive Association (IFSEA), Johnson and Whales, The Culinary Institute of America and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. He has completed advance culinary training in St. Augustine, Florida with The First Coast Institute of Culinary Arts. During Chef Morgante’s assignment with Presidential Food Service, he was awarded the Five Star Diamond Award from the International Food Service Organization for 2003, 2004 and 2005. His personnel decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (7 awards), the Navy Good Conduct Medal (5 awards) and various service and campaign awards.

As a culinary specialist in the Navy, Chef Morgante was assigned to numerous ships and submarines, some of which include: Trident Class, Ballistic Missile Submarines, Fast Attack Submarines and The Kennedy Battle Group. Chef Sam was actually hand selected from the Kennedy Battle Group by the Admiral due to the fact he was the only Navy vessel that had real “Turkeys” to serve to his crew for Thanksgiving. While on assignment, Chef Morgante has personally served the King and Prince of Jordan, and their entourage.

After Chef Morgante’s selection to the former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton administration he served as a Presidential Travel Advance Team Leader and spent more than 200 days on 70 domestic and overseas presidential trips supporting the President and the First Family with personalized culinary services. He provided logistical support and food security, earning him Certificates of Appreciation from the President of the United States for 911, Chief of Staff, Vice President and the United States Secret Service Presidential Protective Division.

After retiring from the Navy in 2005, Chef Morgante began his civilian career at the Nittany Lion Inn at the prestigious Penn State University. He is currently touring with Presidential Chef Productions and has been a featured guest on the late night comedy show Chelsea Lately and Hallmarks “Home and Family” morning shows. Chef Morgante has appeared with Food Network Celebrity Chefs Guy Fieri, Michael Symon, “The Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, Martha Stewart, Robert Irvine, Alton Brown, and Sunny Anderson to name a few.

Currently Chef Morgante is traveling abroad hosting clients promoting his partnership with The Villa Oliviero in the Amalfi. He is also Brand Embassador for several “Products of Italy” ensuring the same quality standards that the MORGANTE family winery in Grote, Sicily is so proud to share. Chef Morgante also is touring the United States hosting private speaking events and dinner entertainment.

Former White House Chef

About