The Culinary Insider - June 3, 2013 (Vol. XI, Issue 11)

ACFEF Disaster Relief for Storm Victims

ACF and the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Disaster Relief Task Force are here to support those members affected by the recent devastating storm. We care about you and want to help as you deal with the difficult task of getting your lives back together. If you or any ACF member you are aware of need assistance because of this disaster, complete the ACFEF Disaster Relief Fund Member Request form and return it to ACFEF Disaster Relief Task Force Fund, American Culinary Federation, 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095. You may also fax the form to (904) 825-4758. For additional information, email disasterrelief@acfchefs.net.

ACF members can make a donation by going to www.acfchefs.org/disasterrelief and logging in at the bottom of the page. Donations can also be mailed to the above address. Members who want to volunteer their time or large quantities of food should email disasterrelief@acfchefs.net.

Registration Discounts End June 7 for ACF National Convention

This year we are upping our game for ACF National Convention, July 21–25, and heading to Las Vegas. Our destination is The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, one of the top-rated 500 hotels around the globe in 2013 according to Travel + Leisure. Read More

It is going to be five days of nonstop professional development, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations featuring the latest trends and techniques, competitions and fabulous food. Las Vegas is an incredible place, and the ACF National Convention is the place for you to network with colleagues, expand your knowledge and have some fun. Check out the schedule.

ACF-Branded Executive Chef Coats

Proudly display your membership with our embroidered ACF Piped Front Executive Chef Coat. Features the official logo of the American Culinary Federation prominently displayed on the right sleeve. Premium poly/cotton twill and matching bronze piping/buttons add further distinction. Order yours here.

Chefs Compete for Spot on Renowned ACF Culinary Team USA

Twenty-five chefs have been selected to try out for the first phase of a two-stage process for ACF Culinary Team USA with the ultimate goal of securing one of six positions. ACF Culinary Team USA, sponsored by Johnson & Wales University and Unilever Food Solutions, is the official representative team of the United States in major international culinary competitions. The first phase, cold food, takes place June 1–2 at Johnson & Wales University’s Denver campus and June 15–16 at Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte campus. The candidates will have 17 hours to prepare, plate and present their dishes according to the guidelines. Read More

ACF’s National Officer Elections

ACF members are invited to attend a meeting June 11 at 10 a.m. EDT at ACF headquarters, 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, Fla., at which time the ballots will be cast and results announced. The results will also be posted on the ACF website upon notification of the winners.

ACF Certification is Good for Business

ACF is introducing the Certification Concierge Service to support your team on its ACF-certification journey. The no-fee service is for organizations certifying eight or more chefs and the cost of $325 per person is based on Certified Executive Chef® certification and testing fees. Smaller groups can be accommodated on request.

The Certification Concierge Service:

• Provides a dedicated expert to work with your group to streamline the certification process.
• Identifies the level of certification best suited for each employee and establishes a tailored action plan.
• Communicates and provides resources to answer questions and promote teamwork and camaraderie.
• Keeps candidates engaged and motivated with articles and relevant materials.
• Supplies tracking tools to help employees meet recertification requirements.

Visit www.acfchefs.org, call (800) 624-9458, ext. 505, or email certify@acfchefs.net for more information. Read More

Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFE)

2013 Events for Educators
“Connecting with the Future”
9th-Annual Leadership Conference
June 20–22
Johnson & Wales University and Miami Dade College

Registration includes opening-night reception; two breakfasts/two lunches/all breaks; conference materials/all sessions; transportation from hotel to both venues; and ACF continuing-education hours for certification. Also, enjoy New World flavors in a unique dining experience from Chef Norman Van Aken!

Visit www.CafeMeetingPlace.com for agenda, registration and hotel information.

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Projecting the Restaurant Industry’s Economic Might

The National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) 2013 Restaurant Industry Forecast is an annual barometer of the industry’s economic strength. It provides national, regional and state sales and employment data, as well as information about operator and consumer trends. It covers sales growth in nearly 40 segments, including full-service, limited service, social catering and on-site foodservice in hospitals, schools and businesses. It is a must-have. Read More

NRA will also be releasing three new publications next week, which will be available in the online store: Limited-Service Restaurant Trends, Tableservice Restaurant Trends and Restaurant Industry 2020.

Lead Like “Mike” Winner Named

Gabriela Grande of Brooklyn, N.Y., a student at the New Rochelle campus of Monroe College, New York, and a member of ACF Long Island Chapter, was named winner of the 2013 Lead Like “Mike” contest. She will attend the 2013 ACF National Convention in Las Vegas, July 21–25, where she will be mentored by ACF National President Michael Ty, CEC, AAC. Read More

NRAMF Announces Winners of Military Foodservice Awards

The National Restaurant Association Military Foundation (NRAMF) announced May 18 the recipients of the Military Foodservice Awards for excellence in military foodservice at operations worldwide. Awards were given to service members and military establishments of the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves. Read More

A Sincere CCF Thank You

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Chef & Child Foundation (CCF) sincerely thanks those individuals and organizations that have so generously donated. A special thanks to The ACF Jersey Shore Chefs Association, winner of the ACF Northeast Region $10K Challenge, for donating a portion of its winnings. With your support, CCF can continue to provide programs and tools to support ACF chefs and chapters in educating children and families about proper nutrition through community initiatives. Show your support and donate.