The Culinary Insider - July 14, 2014 (Vol. XII, Issue 14)

ACF Members Triumphant at Worldchefs Congress in Norway

Scott Ryan, CEC, AAC, of ACF Cleveland Chapter Inc., and Reilly Meehan, a national ACF member, both received first runner-up in the world finals for the Global Chefs Challenge and the Hans Bueschkens Young Chefs Challenge, respectively, at the 2014 Worldchefs Congress in Stavanger, Norway, July 2–5. In addition, ACF Caxambas Chapter of Naples & Marco Island member Claudio Ferrer, CCE, was elected continental director for the Americas and Victor Kendlehart, CC, a national ACF member and president of ACF Young Chefs Club, was selected work to work with top chefs in South Africa. Read More

ACF National Convention Online Registration Closes July 20

July 20 is the last day to register online to attend the 2014 ACF National Convention, July 25–29, at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, Kansas City, Missouri. Register today and don’t miss out. Onsite registration opens July 25 at the ACF registration desk at the hotel.

It is going to be five days of nonstop professional development, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations featuring the latest trends and techniques, competitions, fabulous food and fun! In addition to all the great demonstrations and seminars you will not want to miss the following:

Pork 101 Hands-on Workshop, July 25, 8–11 a.m.

Join Chris Kurzweil, owner, and Zach Larson, production manager, both of Kurzweil Meats, as you breakdown a pig carcass and transform it into amazing plated dishes. Separate registration is required and class size is limited.

Vita Craft Cookware Manufacturing Tour, July 25

Attendees will learn firsthand about Vita Craft cookware and the skilled craftspeople proudly producing them in this free half-hour tour, as well as receive an 8-inch commercial chef pan. Buses depart from the Kansas City Marriott Downtown for the 15-minute ride at 8 a.m. and continue every hour until 4 p.m. RSVP to info@vitacraft.com.

ACF Business Meeting, July 26, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

ACF National President Thomas Macrina, CEC, CCA, AAC, will review ACF’s past year’s highlights and successes and unveil exciting new programs, as well as discuss upcoming strategies for the future.

Get Social with ACF at National Convention with #ACFCONV

Join the conversation during the 2014 ACF National Convention with ACF Chefs on Facebook and @acfchefs on Twitter with the hashtag #ACFCONV. Attendees share interesting information you learned, incredible events taking place, great barbecue and food you found exploring the city, and connect with other culinary professionals attending the convention. If you are not attending convention, follow along and stay up to date with convention happenings in real-time.

Find ACF on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ACFChefs and Twitter at https://twitter.com/acfchefs now to learn about the presenters and sessions taking place at national convention.

Payment Options for ACF Membership Renewal

Did you know that if you are a renewing ACF member, you can pay your annual dues in four equal credit or debit card installments? Members must useRenew the partial payment form to apply for this program. Find out more information by emailing ACF membership staff at membership@acfchefs.net or by calling (800) 624-9458.

My ACF Story: Robert Barr

For 85 years, chefs, students and foodservice professionals have benefited from membership and involvement in ACF. Robert Barr, executive chef at Fremont Golf Club, Fremont, Nebraska, and a member of ACF Professional Chefs and Culinarians of the Heartland, shared his story. Below is an excerpt.

“My many experiences with ACF have made me a better person, both personally and professionally,” said Barr. “Over the years, my level of respect and understanding of ACF and the chef profession has grown immensely and as a result I believe my students and employees understand and appreciate the culinary-arts world Barr more deeply as well.”

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

Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest

General Mills Foodservice is calling on independent family restaurants to enter its Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest for a chance to win up to $50,000. From Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, restaurants may submit their favorite original breakfast, entree or dessert recipes or create a new special one that uses at least one ingredient from General Mills’ list of eligible products. Three category winners will be selected from which two will each be awarded a $10,000 first prize, and one will earn the grand prize of $40,000 cash and a $10,000 donation to a local charity. Read the rules and apply.