Chef Wendel Slices Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving at Camp David

In this photograph, chef Matthew Wendel cuts a slice of pecan pie for first daughter Barbara Bush during a Thanksgiving celebration at Camp David in 2001. Wendel became acquainted with the Bush family in 1995, while working as a waiter-caterer at the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas. After President George W. Bush was elected president in 2000, Wendel continued to prepare meals for the first family during their trips to Camp David and visits home to the Prairie Chapel Ranch near Crawford, Texas. Wendel collaborated with First Lady Laura Bush to prepare many holiday meals for the first family, including family-style Thanksgiving spreads, chili for New Year's, and Easter brunch.