2008 ACF Northeast Regional Conference
Hosted by: ACF Greater Cincinnati Chapter
Kenneth D. Webber, CEC, President
www.gcacf.org
Mark Wright, CEC, AAC
ACF Northeast Region
Vice President
Falling on the same week as Major League Baseball's opening, we made sure the 2008 Northeast Regional Conference featured an all-star line-up. The first day was a double header of mega demos and included an industry trade show in the afternoon and a trip to Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc. in the evening. Day two of the conference included our regional culinary competitions, seminars and hands-on demonstrations at the state of the art facility, Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. The Vice President's Gala brought the conference home with an evening of dining, award presentations and networking.
I send my congratulations to all the
2008 Northeast Regional Conference award winners. I wish you luck
in the pursuit of the National title, we're rooting for you!
I especially congratulate Norman Hart, CEC, CCE, AAC. Hart met me
in the kitchen for a heated culinary competition in which we had to
create three dishes in one hour. I tip my toque to Hart as he was
named ACF's
2008 Toque to Toque Champion.
The General Session was truly unique as we mixed ACF business with
a little fun. Chef Edward Leonard, CMC, AAC, executive chef of the
Westchester Country Club, delivered the keynote message and he was
followed by a culinary fashion show "Hot Looks for Today's Cooks."
Other notable educational programming included:
- Heirloom Pork: How Specialty Farmers Have Enhanced the Center-of-the-Plate
Sponsored by: Snake River Farms
Chef Alan Turner discussed specialty pork and the proper questions
to ask your supplier, while demonstrating several culinary applications
that highlight the unique attributes of this favorite protein.
- Lobster Tales: History, Harvesting and Handling of Downeast
Maine Lobsters
Sponsored by: Lobster Select
This informative session explored the history of the world's favorite
crustacean, the Maine Lobster. Biological facts, the evolution into
a modern-day delicacy and responsible harvesting, safe handling,
proper preparation and serving were all covered.
- It's All About Flavor: Cheese Course Trends and Examples
Sponsored by: Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.
Attendees discovered the potential of cheese with "Cheese Course
Trends and Examples." Trends from casual to fine dining were reviewed
and attendees tasted and discussed pairing ideas and serving suggestions.
If you forgot to bring your camera, don't worry. We have posted all
the conference pictures online. View
the 2008 Conference Photos.
Finally, thank you to all who helped make the 2008 ACF Northeast Regional
Conference a success, especially:
Next year's conference will be held in Boston, Mass. and registration
for the 2009 ACF Northeast Regional Conference has already begun.
Secure your spot by
registering today.
See you next year,
Mark Wright, CEC, AAC
ACF Northeast Region Vice President
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