Annemarie Huste: The Culinary Journey of Jacqueline Kennedy's Private Chef
Annemarie Huste was a distinguished German-American chef whose career spanned decades of high-society dining and professional culinary leadership. While she achieved success as an executive chef and entrepreneur, she is perhaps best remembered for her tenure as the private chef to Jacqueline Kennedy, a role that placed her at the center of one of the 20th century's most famous households.
Key Facts
- Born: May 30, 1943, in Ulm, Germany.
- Notable Role: Private chef to Jacqueline Kennedy from 1964 to 1968.
- Professional Milestones: Executive chef for Gourmet and The Saturday Evening Post.
- Entrepreneurship: Founded a cookery school and the private event space Annemarie's Dining Room.
- Death: October 19, 2016, at age 73.
Early Life and Arrival in America
Born in Ulm, Württemberg, Germany, to Karl and Annemarie Huste, Annemarie began her professional life in a vastly different field, working as a shoe salesperson. Seeking new opportunities, she joined an agency that facilitated her move to New York City, where she was employed in the household of Gregory Callimanopulos. It was during these first six months in the United States that she began learning the art of cooking, a skill that would eventually define her life's work.
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The Path to the Kennedy Household
Huste's transition into professional cooking began with a bold move. When Billy Rose asked her to prepare a Chocolate Mousse Normandy—a recipe she did not know—she visited a local library to find a cookbook by Dione Lucas. The resulting dish was exactly the version Rose preferred, leading to her employment as his chef.
In 1964, following Jacqueline Kennedy's move from Washington, D.C. to New York City, Huste was hired as the former First Lady's private chef. Her tenure began with the high-pressure task of preparing a meal for a large gathering of the Kennedy family. For the next several years, Huste remained a constant presence in the household, accompanying the family on their travels, including their summer retreats to Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
Controversy and Career Transition
The relationship between Huste and the Kennedy family ended abruptly in 1968. The tension began when Huste collaborated with Weight Watchers on an article titled Jackie Kennedy’s Gourmet Chef Presents Her Weight Watchers Recipes. Kennedy's representatives attempted to block the publication to protect the family's privacy.
Shortly thereafter, Huste spoke with Maxine Cheshire of The Washington Post without permission. The resulting article disclosed private information and compared Huste to the legendary Julia Child, suggesting that a cookbook and television series were in development. Consequently, Huste was immediately fired. Although no such projects were officially in production at the time, the publicity led to the publication of Annemarie's Personal Cookbook in October of that year and launched her appearances on television.
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Professional Success and Entrepreneurship
Following her departure from the Kennedy household, Huste established herself as a culinary authority. She served as the executive chef for two prestigious publications: The Saturday Evening Post and the Condé Nast magazine Gourmet.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open several ventures in New York City:
- Cookery School: Established in 1972 at her home in Murray Hill, Manhattan.
- The Great Take-Out: A catering shop run for four years in partnership with businessman Joseph Baumer.
- Annemarie's Dining Room: A private party space operated out of her home until 2009.
Through her private dining room, Huste hosted numerous global dignitaries, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Summary of Annemarie Huste's Career
| Period/Year | Role/Venture | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1964–1968 | Private Chef to Jacqueline Kennedy | Managed household meals and travel catering. |
| Post-1968 | Executive Chef | Worked for Gourmet and The Saturday Evening Post. |
| 1972 | Cookery School | Opened a school in Murray Hill, Manhattan. |
| Various | The Great Take-Out | Catering partnership with Joseph Baumer. |
| Until 2009 | Annemarie's Dining Room | Private event space for high-profile dignitaries. |
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite her success in New York, Huste maintained strong ties to her roots, visiting her brother Lothar's family in Ulm, Germany, approximately twice a year. In the early 2000s, her nephew Michael moved to New York and followed in her footsteps to become a chef.
In her later years, Huste was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She passed away on October 19, 2016, in East Islip, New York, at the age of 73.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Annemarie Huste?
Annemarie Huste was a German-American chef best known for serving as the private chef to Jacqueline Kennedy from 1964 to 1968, as well as her work as an executive chef for major publications.
Why was Annemarie Huste fired by Jacqueline Kennedy?
She was fired after disclosing private information about the Kennedy family in an unauthorized interview with The Washington Post, following a dispute over a Weight Watchers article.
What publications did Annemarie Huste work for as an executive chef?
She held executive chef positions at The Saturday Evening Post and the Condé Nast magazine Gourmet.
What was Annemarie's Dining Room?
It was a private party space operated out of Huste's home, where she hosted various high-profile guests, including Al Gore and Kofi Annan, until 2009.
Did Annemarie Huste write a cookbook?
Yes, Annemarie's Personal Cookbook was published in October 1968, shortly after her departure from the Kennedy household.