A former White House executive chef said celebrity chefs are more celebrities than chefs, and that whoever runs the kitchen for President-elect Barack Obama needs to be more about selfless service, not star power.

An Obama spokesman said it's too early to comment whether there'll be a new executive chef.

Outside speculation has focused on the personal chef of Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony, Daniel Young, who cooked for Obama during the Democratic National Convention in Denver; Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey's personal chef; and Rick Bayless, whose Chicago restaurant is a favorite of Obama's.

The head chef earns $80,000-$100,000 a year creating menus for state dinners, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons hosted by the president and first lady, while also feeding the president, his family and guests daily.