The Culinary Insider - May 19, 2014 (Vol. XII, Issue 10)

Join Us in Kansas City for the 2014 ACF National Convention

Register Now

Whether you are a seasoned professional chef or a student new to the kitchen, the 2014 ACF National Convention offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for July 25–29 and get ready for an amazing convention in Kansas City, Mo. Below are just a few of the presenters lined up:

  • Homaro Cantu, chef/owner, Moto
  • Wilbert Jones, food product developer/TV host/author, and president of The Wilbert Jones Company
  • Matthias Merges, chef/proprietor of A10, Billy Sunday and Yusho
  • Ben Vaughn, “Health Inspectors” host, Food Network
  • Vic “Vegas” Moea, corporate executive chef, Las Vegas Division, US Foods, and owner, “The Art of Catering” by Vic Vegas and Vic’s
  • Vinny Verelli, chef/humorist/motivational speaker

Register Focusing on embracing a sustainable future, the convention will provide a variety of opportunities to help chefs grow professionally and personally with educational sessions and demonstrations that strengthen skills, inspire careers and build a legacy for professional chefs through sustainability. It is going to be five fun-filled days. Watch the video and view the online schedule to see the exciting lineup of presenters.

ACF Regional Conferences Wrap Up

The 2014 ACF regional conferences wrapped up in April. They were a stellar success with more than a thousand plus chefs, cooks and foodservice professionals in attendance. Check out each conference recap, see who the award winners and honorees were and view the photos.

Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFE)

CAFE 2014 Events for Educators
10th-Annual Leadership Conference
June 19–21
Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, Utah

Includes full day of Educational Best Practices, Industry Connections Day, annual InfoFair, trends presentations, breakout sessions, more. Registration ($399) includes opening reception, breakfasts, lunches, refreshment breaks, transportation to/from hotel and ACF continuing-education hours. Optional CEUs from Johnson & Wales University. Two hotel choices, each with spacious rooms.

Visit www.cafemeetingplace.com/cafe-events/2014-leadership-conference for agenda, registration and lodging info.

Charles Carroll, CEC®, AAC®, Named Vice President of WORLDCHEFS

Charles Carroll

Charles Carroll, CEC®, AAC®, executive chef at River Oaks Country Club in Houston, was recently named vice president of WORLDCHEFS, also known as the World Association of Chefs Societies. Carroll, a member of ACF Professional Chefs Association of Houston, will serve a two-year term as vice president. In this capacity, he will help grow the organization’s educational offerings, and increase the culinary influence and leadership of the global organization. Read More

Experience the Largest Summer Fancy Food Show Ever

Summer Fancy Food Show

Discover 180,000 specialty foods and beverages from 2,400 exhibitors spanning more than 80 countries at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City, June 29–July 1. Network with over 24,000 of your peers and build new relationships. Learn from industry experts with 15 plus educational seminars, tastings and tours. Celebrate the most innovative products at the annual sofi™ Awards Ceremony, with a keynote presentation by Dominique Ansel, inventor of the Cronut. As an American Culinary Federation member, you are eligible to attend for just $35, a 30% discount. Register now and enter the promotional code SDS21W. For more information, visit www.fancyfoodshows.com.

My ACF Story

Leslie Eckert

For 85 years, chefs, students and foodservice professionals have benefitted from membership and involvement in ACF. Leslie Eckert, CEPC®, CCE®, academic director of culinary and pastry programs, The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham, Durham, N.C., and a member of ACF Tampa Bay Culinary Association, Inc. shared her story. Below is an excerpt.

“In 2007, my chapter president recommended me for a pastry-chef instructor position. I accepted the job and discovered my passion for teaching,” said Eckert. “I owe my wonderful career growth to my ACF network and I am a huge advocate of ACF, especially to my culinary and pastry-arts students.” Read her story.

Eckert was recently named 2014 ACF SoutheEckertast Region Pastry Chef of the Year and will compete for the national title at the 2014 ACF National Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

Do you have a story about how your involvement in ACF has greatly impacted your career and your life? Tell us.

WORLDCHEFS Continental Director Candidates

Claudio Ferrer

The World Association of Chefs Societies or WORLDCHEFS recently announced the candidates for continental directors for selection at the WORLDCHEFS Congress, July 2–5. Two candidates are running for the Americas position that has been held since 2010 by Louis Perrotte, CEC®, AAC®, HOF, a member of ACF Central Florida Chapter and co-owner of Le Coq Au Vin, Orlando, Fla. The candidates are Margarita Vin, president of Asociacion Culinaria de Mexico, A.C., and Claudio Ferrer, CEC®, CCE®, corporate chef for Electrolux North, Latin America and the Caribbean, Charlotte, N.C., and owner/chef of Kiko’s Catering LLC, Naples, Fla. Please join us in wishing Ferrer, a member of ACF Caxambas Chapter of Naples & Marco Island, much luck.