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.
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Editorial Reviews
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"Combine a hefty serving of insider gossip with some of the most amazing desserts you'll never get to taste, and you've got All the Presidents' Pastries" "the dishy stories and delightful desserts make this a sweet read" -- 03/18 CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
"I could no put it down" -- 03/21 NEWSDAY
"delightful book" -- 05/06 OKLAHOMAN
"I could no put it down" -- 03/21 NEWSDAY
"delightful book" -- 05/06 OKLAHOMAN
About the Author
Roland Mesnier, a Frenchman and naturalized American, has experienced the highest echelons of power firsthand. Born into a working-class family in France and one of nine children, Mesnier is a self-made man par excellence. Christian Malard, who co-wrote the book, is a journalist for France Télévision and an expert on international relations.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Carol McKeen
Format:Hardcover
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It combines a true rags to riches story with behind the scenes looks at our Presidents and their families, the organizational aspects of running White House entertainment, stories of the world leaders who visit there and what it takes to welcome them, and finally, for any foodie, great descriptions of the dessert creations. I enjoyed reading both about the very baroque elaborate creations made for state dinners and the much simpler family desserts. There are interesting comments on events that we all read about - Clinton's Lewinsky affair, Nancy Reagan's iron rule, the events of 9/11, etc. Final bonus - recipes. If you love french cuisine, autobiography and history, this combines them all.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By a reader
Format:Hardcover
When I checked this book out from the library, my intention was only to check out the recipes in the back. But I started reading Roland Mesnier's life story, and found myself totally engrossed in it. What an inspirational life story this is.... Mr. Mesnier grew up poor in France, and through talent, determination, and a lot of hard work, he became probably one of the best pastry chefs on the planet.
Several things stood out for me in this book. The first was how interesting his early life was.. how he grew up with basically nothing, became an apprentice, perfected his craft, and continually pushed himself to become better and better--even during his later days at the White House. He never once rested on his laurels, although he easily could have.
The second thing that stood out for me was how he regarded each of the "first families" he worked for. He clearly grew very attached to whoever he worked for, and through his eyes I was able to see the various Presidents and First Ladies as the normal human beings they are. That's an interesting perspective you don't usually see.
Thirdly, I could barely keep my mouth from watering while reading about all the amazing desserts that were prepared over Mr. Mesnier's 40-something year career! Note: don't read this if you are hungry.
One last note: One of the reviewers mentioned a left-leaning slant to Mr. Mesnier's politics. I simply did not see that. In fact, he seemed particularly attached to the family of Bush Sr. And when the Iraq war was looming, he was in full support of it, so much so that he couldn't believe that his home country of France was against it. There are many other examples, but the point is, Mr. Mesnier was very loyal to whomever he served, whether Democrat or Republican.
Several things stood out for me in this book. The first was how interesting his early life was.. how he grew up with basically nothing, became an apprentice, perfected his craft, and continually pushed himself to become better and better--even during his later days at the White House. He never once rested on his laurels, although he easily could have.
The second thing that stood out for me was how he regarded each of the "first families" he worked for. He clearly grew very attached to whoever he worked for, and through his eyes I was able to see the various Presidents and First Ladies as the normal human beings they are. That's an interesting perspective you don't usually see.
Thirdly, I could barely keep my mouth from watering while reading about all the amazing desserts that were prepared over Mr. Mesnier's 40-something year career! Note: don't read this if you are hungry.
One last note: One of the reviewers mentioned a left-leaning slant to Mr. Mesnier's politics. I simply did not see that. In fact, he seemed particularly attached to the family of Bush Sr. And when the Iraq war was looming, he was in full support of it, so much so that he couldn't believe that his home country of France was against it. There are many other examples, but the point is, Mr. Mesnier was very loyal to whomever he served, whether Democrat or Republican.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By J. Strauss
Format:Hardcover
In All the Presidents' Pastries, Roland Mesnier provides a glimpse into a hidden world
of White House power through the eyes of its renowned former pastry chef. For those of
us outside the concrete street barriers of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the cocktail
circuits of policy wonks, pundits, and political celebrity, his memoir makes
us feels privy to select secrets of the rich and famous even as he respectfully shrouds
prominent indiscretions and missteps. They were there, and no doubt they would offer
tantalizing fodder for curious gossip mongers. Instead Mesnier's enthusiastic recollections
of his White House adventures read as delectably as President's Reagan's favorite
chocolate mousse tastes rich, but without the bite and heat of the crystallized ginger
melded within the mix. For those seeking to recreate executives' favorites, there is a
small collection of recipes at the end of the book.
Similar to Mesnier's first successful book, Dessert University, one discovers within the pages of All the President's Pastries, a mind that thrives on continual challenge, creates success through extensive thought and preparation, and moves on when an occasional snag clutters his mindscape. In preparation for Tony Blair's White House visit in 1998, Mesnier envisioned London's parliamentary clock, Big Ben, as the dessert's stunning chocolate centerpiece. Unaware that logistics and time would become formidable obstacles to execution of the Big Ben replica, he "decided to take the bull by the horns and invent a new way of molding chocolate." In his characteristic humility, Mesnier shares that he and his staff "pulled off this minor tour de force thanks to a great deal of extremely fast work"; therefore, saving themselves from a metaphorical Go Straight to the Tower of London jail card.
I hope you all will enjoy reading Mesnier's Upstairs/Downstairs disclosure of White House anecdotes to discover the convivial yet complex Roland I know.
of White House power through the eyes of its renowned former pastry chef. For those of
us outside the concrete street barriers of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the cocktail
circuits of policy wonks, pundits, and political celebrity, his memoir makes
us feels privy to select secrets of the rich and famous even as he respectfully shrouds
prominent indiscretions and missteps. They were there, and no doubt they would offer
tantalizing fodder for curious gossip mongers. Instead Mesnier's enthusiastic recollections
of his White House adventures read as delectably as President's Reagan's favorite
chocolate mousse tastes rich, but without the bite and heat of the crystallized ginger
melded within the mix. For those seeking to recreate executives' favorites, there is a
small collection of recipes at the end of the book.
Similar to Mesnier's first successful book, Dessert University, one discovers within the pages of All the President's Pastries, a mind that thrives on continual challenge, creates success through extensive thought and preparation, and moves on when an occasional snag clutters his mindscape. In preparation for Tony Blair's White House visit in 1998, Mesnier envisioned London's parliamentary clock, Big Ben, as the dessert's stunning chocolate centerpiece. Unaware that logistics and time would become formidable obstacles to execution of the Big Ben replica, he "decided to take the bull by the horns and invent a new way of molding chocolate." In his characteristic humility, Mesnier shares that he and his staff "pulled off this minor tour de force thanks to a great deal of extremely fast work"; therefore, saving themselves from a metaphorical Go Straight to the Tower of London jail card.
I hope you all will enjoy reading Mesnier's Upstairs/Downstairs disclosure of White House anecdotes to discover the convivial yet complex Roland I know.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Go behind the scenes at the White House as White House Pastry Chef...
As a former White House Volunteer from 1980-1988, I loved reading Roland Mesnier's book, All the Presidents" Pastries:
Twenty-Five Years in the White House. Read more
Twenty-Five Years in the White House. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Doreen S. Davidson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Saw the
Saw the pastry chef on a National Public Service television show. My wife collects cookbooks. The other is for a gift.
Published 4 months ago by Luke Knese
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
Not what I expected. Author tells more about himself then the interaction with the people
he worked for. Too much of the Author.
Shirley
he worked for. Too much of the Author.
Shirley
Published 4 months ago by Shirley L. Ellis
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tasty Read!
This was a fascinating story of a man that had nothing so to speak and rose to one of the highest honors bestowed upon a pasty chef. Read more
Published on October 17, 2010 by Love Reading
5.0 out of 5 stars
A genuine and entertaining look back on a legendary life
A interesting and entertaining look at the White House from a point-of-view very few people ever see. Read more
Published on September 26, 2010 by Allyson Lara
5.0 out of 5 stars
fun book
this book gives you a new insight into the White House families
Published on May 9, 2010 by Marguerite A. Biancke
5.0 out of 5 stars
From farmhouse to the White House
Roland has written an inspiring and interesting book. He's a true American success story - hard work, dedication, discipline and effort took him from the life of a peasant in... Read more
Published on November 29, 2008 by Melinda N. Bates
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pefect View of inside the Nations First Family Home
Roland did a perfect job detailing every event he baked for. Without favoring or dishing any real dirt the book was a winner. Read more
Published on June 6, 2008 by George Geary
3.0 out of 5 stars
Light and Fun
I enjoyed reading about the pastries that were prepared in the White House. It was very light hearted reading and I thought that Mesnier's life journey from a small village in... Read more
Published on May 31, 2007 by R. Maccini
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review of R. Mesnier's book on serving for 25 years as the White House...
Roland Mesnier's book is on his career as a pastry chef, from his early years working in France, Germany, England and Bermuda and culminating as serving for 25 years as the White... Read more
Published on May 27, 2007 by Marsita
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