Press Release
Aidan Murphy, CMC, AAC, Places Third Overall and First in
Food-and-Wine Pairing at WACS International Culinary Competition
St. Augustine, Fla., May 16, 2008 - Aidan
Murphy, certified master chef (CMC), American Academy of Chefs (AAC),
executive chef at Old Warson Country Club, St. Louis, placed third
overall and first in the wine and food pairing category at the inaugural
Global Chefs Challenge, sponsored in part by Unilever Foodsolutions,
held at the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) Congress in
Dubai, May 12-15.
Murphy, a member of Chefs de Cuisine Association of St. Louis Inc.,
represented the Americas as he competed against six other finalists
representing Africa, Asia, Central Europe, Northern Europe, Pacific Rim
and Southern Europe. Toines Smulders of The Netherlands was declared
the winner and Norway's Tom Victor Gausdal placed second.
"Aidan did a remarkable job and we are proud to call him a fellow
cuilnarian. The ability to pair fine cuisine with the most complementary
wine is an important skill, but it is arduous. Winning first place in a
category judged by international wine experts proves that he truly is a
master chef," said John Kinsella, CMC, CCE, AAC, ACF national
president.
Competitors constructed menus based on a market basket, which was
presented the day before the competition. Chefs prepared and presented a
four-course menu for eight, including a starter, entrée, main
course and dessert. A panel of international judges evaluated, among
other criteria, cleanliness, sanitation, work habits, professional
presentation, apprentice supervision, timing and proper use of
ingredients. Two wine experts awarded Murphy first place for the best
food-and-wine pairing.
Murphy earned the right to represent the Americas when he took first
place and a gold medal in the WACS Global Chefs Challenge Continental
finals for the Americas July 21, 2007, in Orlando, Fla. Murphy is a
longtime competitor. His wins include the 2006 U.S.A.'s Chef of the
Year™, sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions.
Murphy was assisted by his apprentice, Mike Palazzola, a line cook
under Murphy at Old Warson Country Club and a member of ACF Culinary
Youth Team USA.
The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the
premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. With
20,000 members spanning more than 230 chapters nationwide, ACF is the
culinary leader in offering educational resources, training,
apprenticeship and accreditation. In addition, ACF operates the most
comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States. ACF
is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the
United States in major international culinary competitions, and also
holds the presidium for the World Association of Chefs Societies, the
largest international network of chef associations with more than 8
million members globally. For more information, please visit www.acfchefs.org.
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Photos can be obtained by contacting Patricia Carroll at pcarroll@acfchefs.net or by
calling (800) 624-9458, ext. 147.
Contact: Patricia Carroll
Communications Director
(800) 624-9458, ext. 147
pcarroll@acfchefs.net