The Culinary Insider - July 6, 2009 (Vol. VII, Issue 15)

ACF National Convention

It’s not too late to attend the 2009 ACF National Convention, July 11–14, at the Orlando World Center Marriott! While online registration is closed, you can register on-site during the convention; full and a la carte registration options are still available. Discounted hotel room rates at the Orlando World Center Marriott of $149 per night are still available online, and are good for up to three days after the convention. Reserve your room online.

MORE Excitement…. MORE Fun
Born To Be Wild Welcome Reception, sponsored by Saputo Cheese
July 10: Pick up your convention packet and then enjoy a beverage to the upbeat sound of Doug “Big Daddy” Bare.

Ice Breaker Blues Bash, sponsored by Barber Foods, Pasta CHEF® and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
July 11: Enjoy a special concert starring the Bad Boys of Blues, Jake & Elwood Blues, and reminisce with your fellow chefs.

Sunset Carnivale, sponsored by The Culinary Institute of America, Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America, S&D Coffee and U.S. Foodservice
July 12: The convention heats up as the sun goes down. This Latin-themed poolside function is open to all convention attendees and their families with free food, entertainment and games of skill at the Chef & Child KidZone.

The Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America will host their respective alumni receptions poolside during the Carnivale. Stop by and see your former classmates.

Chef of the Year Happy Hour and Mixer
July 13: Meet the 2009 chef of the year finalists and celebrate their success. Stop by the ACF Gathering Spot and enter to win a Hewlett Packard laptop computer, find out about special Marriott beverage offers and learn about the 2010 ACF Regional Conferences.

President’s Grand Ball, sponsored by BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Butterball Farms, Inc., Contessa Premium Foods; Splenda® and Tyson Food Service
July 14: ACF celebrates its best and brightest as the national winners for the student team, student chef, chef educator, pastry chef and chef of the year competitions are announced. Registered attendees should reserve their seats online.

Sweet Decadence, sponsored by Barry Callebaut, S&D Coffee and Splenda®
July 14: Bring your sweet tooth and your dancing shoes to end the 2009 convention. Dance the night away to the sounds of Latin Express.


A letter from Chef Kinsella

I wrote to you several weeks ago to report on the start of negotiations with the National Restaurant Association (NRA). The original meeting was to open the door to many future conversations on how we can move forward together with programs of mutual interest. I would like to clarify that, to date, we have no signed agreements. If my last message was misconstrued, I apologize, and our new president and staff will be carrying forward these new initiatives and ongoing discussions with the NRA.

I have also opened a dialog with Harry Crane, CEC, president of the Research Chefs Association, to collaborate with ACF to increase the number of shared educational opportunities and support the team. Chef Crane will approach his board to see if they want to pursue these joint opportunities, and I am hopeful that they will.

I have also spoken with the President of the American Dietetic Association to discuss educational opportunities and to work with our Chef & Child Foundation committee in its fight against childhood obesity.

We are on the threshold of bringing together our sister groups to share our strengths, removing the duplication of programs and creating awareness and increased opportunities for all our members. As you all know, strong relationships take time to develop. Please remember we are in good faith negotiations for the betterment of all our members.

Most sincerely,
John Kinsella, CMC, CCE, WGMC, AAC


The Next Food Network Star Casting Call


The Next Food Network Star is looking for culinarians who are full of life, passionate about cooking and knowledgeable about food. If this is you, apply today. You might be The Next Food Network Star.


Culinary Nutrition News Focuses on Fiber


Download the July issue of Culinary Nutrition News: Fiber-Rich today and discover the intricacies of fiber and how to use it to heighten your customers’ dining experience.

Take advantage of ACF Chef & Child Foundation and Clemson University’s nutrition resource, Culinary Nutrition News, to build your personal nutrition library and share with your colleagues and staff. More


Positive Summer Restaurant Job Forecast

According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant industry will increase jobs by about 4% this summer. Visit the ACF Career Center to post a job or search for one.


Practical Exam Scheduling Made Easy

Use the new Request to Schedule a Practical Exam form to expedite your scheduling request and the processing of your fee.

If you are interested in becoming an Approved Practical Exam Test site, contact the ACF Certification Department at certify@acfchefs.net.


2008 ACF Culinary Team USA Cookbook


Pre-order your cookbook today

Released every four years, this highly anticipated cookbook is now available for pre-order with a July arrival date. Featuring recipes from ACF Culinary Team USA, it includes entries used during the 2008 IKA “culinary Olympics” in Erfurt, Germany. Reserve your copy today—members, login to receive your 15% member discount.