2008 ACF Northeast Regional Conference
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 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
