The Culinary Insider - April 9, 2012 (Vol. X, Issue 8)
Experience ACF National Convention from the President’s Perspective
Applications Due May 2
Imagine experiencing the 2012 ACF National Convention in Orlando, Fla., from the president’s perspective, from attending behind-the-scenes meetings with board members and sponsors to attending the lavish American Academy of Chefs Induction Dinner. One ACF student or apprentice will be selected to do just that with ACF National President Michael Ty, CEC, AAC, through the Lead Like “Mike” mentorship opportunity.
Enter the Lead Like “Mike” Contest by May 2 and you could be the student selected to attend convention July 13–18. Five finalists will be selected for phone interviews. The winner will be announced by June 6, and will receive airfare within the continental U.S. to Orlando, accommodations at the Orlando World Center Marriott and a full convention registration.
Williams-Sonoma Chefs Program
Join the Williams-Sonoma for Professional Chefs program and you will receive exclusive trade pricing, services and benefits, including a 20% discount at Williams-Sonoma when shopping online or at the retail stores. Professional chefs, restaurateurs and students enrolled in an accredited culinary institution are invited to apply.
Piped Front Executive Chef Coat—$34.95
Bronze accented piping creates a powerful profile, and a wide, 10-button double-breasted design completes the look. This premium coat is made of easy care material to increase fabric life and minimize hassle. Available in two colors—shop now.
Be a Member of ACF Culinary Team USA for a Day—Apply by May 24
Six culinary students will have the opportunity of a lifetime to work alongside and learn from an ACF Culinary National Team USA member at a special fundraising reception July 14 during ACF’s national convention in Orlando, Fla. Five teams of one culinary student and one ACF Culinary National Team USA chef will prepare a savory dish, while one team of one student and one ACF Culinary National Team USA chef will create a sweet delight for attendees to enjoy. Winners will be announced by June 8 and will receive roundtrip airfare within the continental U.S. to Orlando, accommodations, based on double occupancy, at the Orlando World Center Marriott from July 13 to July 18 and a full convention registration. Learn more and apply.
New Nordic Cuisine
Nordic influences are rippling through the world’s top restaurants. According to Food Technical Consulting (FTC), one of the top food trends in 2012 is Nordic cuisine, also dubbed “New Nordic Cuisine.” This is due to its perception as being healthy, tasty, pure and simple. So what makes New Nordic Cuisine synonymous with health, and, perhaps more importantly, what exactly is New Nordic Cuisine? Find out in this month’s “Culinary Nutrition News” sponsored by French’s Foodservice and provided through a partnership between ACFEF Chef & Child Foundation and Clemson University.
Grants Available for Chefs Participating in Chefs Move to Schools
ACF is offering $250 grants to chefs participating in the national Chefs Move to Schools program. Three granting opportunities are available in 2012, with the first application deadline April 30. Chefs interested in applying must be registered with the new Chefs Move to Schools website, be matched with a school and have volunteered twice within a year. Applicants are not required to be ACF members. Download the grant application and apply. For questions or additional information, email jward@acfchefs.net.
New Trainings for ACF Members
New training programs have been created for ACF members by the ACFEF Education Taskforce. Login to the Members Only section of the ACF website to download the latest training on Time Management, Pastry Plating Techniques, Menu Development, Flavor Development and Sanitation. The mini-trainings relate to skills used for ACF competitions and certification practical exams, as well as skills needed in the work place every day.
Save the Date!
Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
8th-Annual Leadership Conference
June 21–23, 2012
Hosted by The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio
New presenters, themes and ideas for foodservice instructors! Highlights include:
- Full day of Educational Best Practices
- Trends from industry leaders
- Included: all programming, reception, meals, InfoFair and ACF CEHs
- Luxury all-suite Riverfront hotel @ $129/night
Visit www.CafeMeetingPlace.com for registration, hotel information, instructor scholarships and awards. Subscribe for weekly programming updates.
Top Grilled Cheese Contest
Grilled cheese enthusiasts: Start your griddles. The Grilled Cheese Academy is holding a recipe contest, presented by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, to find the top homemade sandwich in the country. The winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip for two to New York City and a host of other tasty prizes. Apply by the May 8 deadline.
Food Network Casting Engaged Couples Who Work in Food Industry
Are you getting married between May and August? Do one or both of you work in the food industry? Is food an important aspect of your wedding?
If you answered yes to all of the above, then the Food Network wants you to be in a new pilot to test foods at different venues and provide your opinions. If interested, email a two-to-three minute video showcasing your vibrant personalities, while explaining about yourselves, how you are foodies, what you do in the food industry, how important food planning is to your wedding and a fun foodie story to danielle.gretz@leopardfilms.com. Please include your names, wedding date, location and recent photos.