ACF Today, Vol. 1, No. 2 - December 5, 2003

In this edition . . .

• Early registration deadline for Western Regional Conference approaches
• Update from President Leonard on Chef of the Year Awards program
• Join ACF Culinary Team USA in Germany
• Gift-giving: holiday special on ACF Culinary Team USA pilsner set
• Save $5 on 2003 ACF National Convention rolling office computer bags

Save by Registering Now for ACF's Western Regional Conference
Active and associate members must register by Jan. 15 for ACF's Western Regional Conference, Feb. 25-29 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., to pay the discounted fee of $235; after Jan. 15, the fee is $305. Student and senior members pay $150 until Jan. 15; after, the fee is $195. For more information, visit http://www.acfcoloradochefs.org or call Joan Brewster at (303) 264-3005.

Changes in ACF's Chef of the Year Competition
A letter from ACF President Edward G. Leonard, CMC, AAC

For various reasons, and after receiving much feedback from industry and members, ACF's Chef of the Year competition will have some immediate changes affecting the 2004 program.

1. Regional cook-offs will not be possible in 2004. We are reviewing a way to host cook-offs in a quality venue for all with consistent standards in both facilities and judging as well as finance. It is possible that we partner with two major trade shows and host this event on a large scale, which will be better for all involved.
2. Applications will be reviewed by a Chef of the Year committee/panel, and regional winners will be announced at the regional conferences.
3. Instead of a mystery-basket format, each Chef of the Year candidate will submit two three-course, or perhaps four-course, menus, from which the panel will choose one for the candidate to cook within timed guidelines at our national convention.
4. The standards of the award will be at the highest level possible, and only those who qualify under the guidelines will be considered. Other awards exist for those in specific disciplines.

The ACF awards, over all, have been disappointing. The response from chapters and members to nominate qualified candidates is very poor. Less than 1% of membership nominates a chef or culinarian for any of our awards.

Some regions nominated not a single person. We also tend to overlook many very good culinarians, perhaps because they do not attend local meetings, etc.

The ACF awards program is designed to recognize those who have achieved the highest level of accomplishments in their professional careers on a national scale and have really made a difference in the industry they represent.

The Educator of the Year Award recognizes exemplary teaching and giving back to the industry through education. The Chef and Pastry Chef of the Year Awards honor the best culinarians cooking in the industry. The Hermann Rusch Award is for those who gave and did so much in their professions throughout their long careers. And the Chef Professionalism Award sponsored by Minor's/Nestle FoodServices commemorates the efforts of Dr. Lewis J. Minor and ACF to elevate the profession of cooking with the U.S. government. Per the company's wishes, candidates must have run the day-to-day operations of a full-service dining facility and supervised its kitchen brigade for at least three of the last five years.

These are special awards, and we hope the membership will embrace them and ensure their purpose, reflecting the highest standards.

Join Culinary Team USA in Germany!
The 2004 Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung (IKA) International Culinary Art Competition is coming, and the American Culinary Federation invites you to participate in this world-class event thanks to a special ACF travel package. Be present in Erfurt, Germany, October 14-22, 2004, to support ACF Culinary Team USA as it competes for the gold in the most prestigious culinary competition in the world -- while enjoying spectacular savings on airfare, transportation and lodging, coordinated by ACF ambassador L. Edwin Brown, HAAC. Note: Rooms in Erfurt are double-occupancy only. (No single rooms are available.) Tour space is very limited. For more information, e-mail Debbie Kelder, CTA, travel services manager, at dkelder@acfchefs.net. (No phone calls, please.)

Save on ACF Culinary Team USA Pilsner Glass Sets
Save $5 on each set of four 16-oz. mixing glasses with ACF Culinary Team USA 2004's imprint in satin frost finish. Regularly $15, now $10. A distinctive holiday gift! Price includes shipping within the continental United States. Visit http://www.acfchefs.org/eshop/index.cfm?dp=575&spid=TEAM14&sr=1&vpd=ok&pid=2571&did=574&pri=574&pageset=1 while supplies last.

Get Your 2003 ACF National Convention Rolling Office Computer Bag Today
The versatile rolling office computer bags presented to attendees of this year's National Convention in Washington, D.C. -- in black with ACF's logo imprinted in gold -- are available through ACF's e-Shop for only $40 each, reduced from $45. Price includes shipping within the continental United States. Visit http://www.acfchefs.org/eshop/index.cfm?vpd=ok&sr=1&dp=574&pid=3072&pri=582&pageset=1 while supplies last.

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