The Culinary Insider - August 30, 2010 (Vol. VIII, Issue 19)

People’s Garden School Pilot Program

Grant Applications Due Oct. 8.

The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has $1 million available for a People’s Garden School Pilot Program. The program is designed to: teach students about agriculture production practices, diet and nutrition; contribute produce to supplement food provided at eligible schools, student households, local food banks or senior-center nutrition programs; and conduct an evaluation of funded projects to learn about the impact of school gardens. Grants will be awarded to develop and run community gardens at eligible high-poverty schools, defined as public schools with 50% or more students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. More

Organic, Natural, Local and Sustainable: Trends or Mainstays

There is a movement for chefs to use more organic, natural, local or sustainable foods. Although these terms are being tossed around in every avenue of the food world, there are still many who are in the dark about what these words really imply about food products, be it good, bad or neither. While there can be some overlap among them, each of these terms carries a distinctly different connotation. For instance, a food can be locally produced but not organic, and a food that is considered “natural” does not mean it’s organic or local.

Read Organic, Natural, Local and Sustainable: Trends or Mainstays? September’s “Culinary Nutrition News,” sponsored by French’s Foodservice and provided through a partnership between ACFEF Chef & Child Foundation and Clemson University.

More Chefs Wear Happy Chef®

Chefs from around the world shop at Happy Chef. We have something for every style & budget. Shop our extensive line of coats, pants, hats & aprons. All products are made of quality fabric for increased comfort & durability.

Custom Embroidered ACF Apparel Available. Shop Now!

New ACF Certification Video

Certification through the American Culinary Federation (ACF) is not only a benchmark for personal and professional achievement, but it has also become recognized as a standard of excellence in the industry. Two ACF chefs share their viewpoints on certification and mentoring in a short video. This is a great tool for chapter leaders to show at monthly meetings to support and encourage certification.

ACF Chef to Compete on “Top Chef: Just Desserts” Series

Heather Hurlbert, executive pastry chef at Cherokee Town and County Club, Atlanta, and 2009 ACF National Pastry Chef of the Year, is one of 12 contestants on the new series “Top Chef: Just Desserts.” Read more about Hurlbert, a member of ACF Greater Atlanta Chapter, and tune in for the show’s premier Sept. 15 at 11 p.m. EST.

UNLV Survey on Culinary Education

Researchers from University of Nevada Las Vegas are conducting a study examining the relationship between the type and cost of a person’s culinary education and career outcomes. The results will assist culinary schools, students, and potential students in determining the value of culinary education. We would appreciate your completing a brief survey. To thank you, we will enter you into a drawing for a $100 American Express gift card.

Questions??? Please contact:
John Maas, MHA, CEPC, CCE—john.maas@jwu.edu
Jean Hertzman, Ph.D., CCE—jean.hertzman@unlv.edu

ACF Recertification Update

Review the new continuing education hours (CEH) recertification guidelines, which were developed to reduce the redundancy of mandatory refreshers for recertification and address multiple certifications. CEHs are now more directed to each chef’s individual needs and goals.

ACF Members Invited to RCA Networking Reception

The Research Chefs Association (RCA) invites all ACF members to attend a cocktail reception Sept. 11, 5–8 p.m., at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando, Fla., to kick off the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show. Rosen Plaza is located on International Drive, adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center where the show is taking place Sept. 12–14. Stop by and enjoy a beverage and appetizers.

2010 ACF National Convention

The 2010 ACF National Convention, held in Anaheim, Calif., Aug. 2–5, was a success. A sincere thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors, whose support was instrumental to our success. Congratulations to the competitors and award recipients. More

MyRecipes Fast Family Dinners Contest

Enter an entrée recipe by the Sept. 16 deadline using only one Newman’s Own product from the following categories: pasta sauces, salsas/marinades, or salad dressings. Prep time must be 30 minutes or less and does not include overnight marinating, slow-cooker time, or hands-off baking time. The grand prize is $10,000. More