ACF Today, Vol. II, No. 2
January 23, 2004

 
 In this edition . . .

* National office moves to new headquarters next week
* WACS's 31st World Congress in Dublin, Ireland, is around the corner
* ACF announces 2004 ACF Pastry Chef of the Year Award finalists
* Register for the 2004 ACF National Convention online!
* Orlando World Center Marriott announces incentives for ACF National Convention attendees
* Plan now to attend ACF's Asia Tour in May

ACF Moves into New Headquarters Week of Jan. 26

The American Culinary Federation is excited about relocating to its brand-new building in northern St. Johns County, Fla., next week. While we work steadfastly to become fully operational, our goal to meet members' needs with the quality of service you expect never wavers. During this time, we ask for your patience and understanding, as we might take slightly longer than usual to respond. Our telephone numbers and e-mail addresses remain the same, and we encourage you to contact us for any need. If you do not reach the individual or department you seek when you call, please leave a message, and rest assured that we will get back to you at our earliest opportunity.

During relocation, ACF's toll-free telephone answering service, (800) 624-9458, is available 24 hours a day. Also, visit us online at www.acfchefs.org, where information on ACF programs and events is only a mouse-click away!

Effective next week, the new mailing address of the American Culinary Federation, Inc., will be 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095.

WACS 31st World Congress Convenes March 21-25 in Ireland

Join ACF, cooks and chefs from all over the world at the 31st World Congress hosted by the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS) in Dublin, Ireland, this spring. More than 70 national chefs associations will be represented at this world-class event. Co-sponsored by the Panel of Chefs of Ireland, the 31st World Congress promises to be packed full of educational opportunities, world culinary business and great hospitality.

During this coming event the American Culinary Federation is vying for the WACS presidium, the organization's leadership arm, for the 2004-2008 term. The presidium is challenged with increasing the viability of the chef as a professional craftsperson throughout the entire world, much as ACF has striven to do during its 75-year history in the United States. Our goal is to help other countries' cooks and chefs associations achieve similar educational, apprenticeship and certification milestones as ACF members enjoy every day of their professional careers.

To find out more about the 31st WACS Congress in Ireland, including information on congress registration and lodging, visit www.WACS2000.org or write http://www.wacs2000.org directly into your Web browser. ACF is happy to assist with air travel to Dublin: Contact Debbie Kelder, CTA, travel-services manager, at (800) 624-9458, ext. 107, to inquire of the best airfares.

ACF Announces Candidates for 2004 ACF Pastry Chef of the Year Award

ACF's inaugural national Pastry Chef of the Year Award recognizes a pastry chef who displays a passion for the craft, enjoys an accomplished reputation in the pastry field, and gives back through education of others by sharing skills and knowledge. Four finalists - one for each ACF region - will be honored at their respective regional conferences. Regional finalists will participate in a cook-off at the 2004 ACF National Convention in Orlando, Fla., in July, to name a national winner.

National Pastry Chef of the Year Award Finalists

Tariq Hanna

Executive Pastry Chef

MotorCity Casino, Detroit

Central Region

John Hui, CEPC

Executive Pastry Chef

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nev.

West Region

Stefan Riemer

Pastry Chef and Department Head

Walt Disney World Yacht & Beach Club Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Southeast Region

Thomas Vaccaro, CEPC

Executive Pastry Chef

Trump Plaza Casino & Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J.

Northeast Region

Register for the 2004 ACF National Convention Online!

A complete attendee-registration form for the 2004 ACF National Convention is now online at http://www.acfchefs.org/events/natcon04/ntl.cfm. The form may be downloaded and printed out to mail later, or save time and register online today. ACF members should log in first to receive special pricing.

ACF Announces Lodging and Vacation Incentives at 2004 ACF National Convention

At ACF's upcoming national convention, July 16-20 in Orlando, Fla., you'll want to book lodging at the host property, Orlando World Center Marriott, to take advantage of special discounts on individual and family lodging and entertainment packages.

Stay Six Nights, Seventh Night Free
ACF convention attendees staying seven consecutive nights at Orlando World Center Marriott will receive the seventh night free. Advance reservations are required and subject to space availability. Please specify that you are an ACF convention attendee when making your reservation.

Disney World Theme Park Tickets
Advance-purchase a two-day Disney Park Hopper Pass for only $127. The two-day Park Hopper Pass allows entry to all four Disney theme parks (Disney's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, MGM and Animal Kingdom). Because you're an ACF convention attendee, you will receive complimentary admission to Typhoon Lagoon and your choice of Pleasure Island or Disney Quest. Tickets can be used any two days during a 10-consecutive-day timeframe.

"Kids Eat Free" Special
Includes a buffet breakfast special for children under 8 years old in the Solaris Restaurant.

Special Meal Package
For only $135 you will receive five days' worth of buffet breakfasts in the Solaris Restaurant and two dinners from the preset menu at your choice of two specialty restaurants. Taxes and gratuities are included ($200 value).

Reserve your room at the Orlando World Center Marriott before June 24, 2004, by calling (800) 621-0638 to take advantage of the special ACF 2004 National Convention room rate of $149.00 plus tax. Mention that you're a member of ACF when you call.

For more information on the Orlando World Center Marriott and the 2004 ACF National Convention, visit http://www.acfchefs.org/events/natcon04/ntl.cfm or contact ACF's Events Management department at (800) 624-9458 or events@acfchefs.net

Join ACF in the Orient

Sample a taste of Asia with ACF, May 24-June 3, by visiting Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Led by ACF's ambassador, L. Edwin Brown, HAAC. For more information, contact Debbie Kelder, CTA, ACF's travel-services manager, at (800) 624-9458, ext. 107, or e-mail dkelder@acfchefs.net.

©2007 American Culinary Federation

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