President's Awards Dinner
I hope all of you enjoyed the Presidents awards reception and dinner at the SeaTac Hilton Convention Center. We had a full room with over 80 in attendance. It was a great night with many awards passed out to very deserving individuals.
The awards given during the nights festivities were:
Chef of the Year: Chef Tin Nguyen from Clearwater Casino. Well-deserved for his untiring work and support of the WSCA this year. Congratulations Tin!
Humanitarian of the Year: Chef Brandon LaVielle. For Brandon's continued work with chef and child.
Professional Chef of the Year: Chef Jeff Duncan. For his support given and time to the apprenticeship students over the years. Jeff you will be missed in that roll.
Associate Members of the Year:
C&L Catering Distribution (for their continued support of our chapter and events)
Suquamish Clearwater Casino and Resort (for being there when we need them for events and fundraisers)
Student of the year: Lynette Clemens from Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
Presidents Medallions: 4 medallions were given out this year to four individuals that are always there to step up and help out the chapter when it is needed. They were there for me this year when I needed support on the governor's ball. Chefs JJ Meland, Roger Knapp, Dan Lewark and Gary Fuller
Special award went to Taylor Shellfish for their unwavering support for our chapter for as many years as I can remember. Their generous donations help support our scholarship funds year after year. Very much appreciated by all of us at the WSCA. Thank you again.
The best table displays from the Governor's Ball were awarded to Bell Harbor Convention Center for best Business table and Olympic College for best school display. Everyone did a fabulous job this year creating exciting and creative displays and the choice of just two winners was very difficult. Everyone should be commended on what they achieved. Thank you!
Washington Pro-Start Invitational
The Prostart competition was held February 18th in Lakewood and again turned out to be an incredible event. I was lucky enough to be a part of this great competition between young students this year and even luckier to be a tasting judge. Lots of great dishes came through and it was a difficult choice but in the end Bonney lake High School won the culinary competition.
Bite of Apprenticeship
Our Bite of the Apprenticeship will be April 10th this year and profits will benefit Prostart. We are inviting all ProStart students, chefs and instructors to come to the Bite for free. For all others coming the cost will be 10.00 per person. We will have Beer, Wine and sodas available with a nominal cost for the beer and wine. There is incredible dishes to taste and judge for yourself. Please come and enjoy a great dining experience and taste the apprentice's best dishes. Visit the website for more info and to register online!
Our next board meeting will be held at Puratos from 4pm to 6pm on March 13th. Please check the site for all of the upcoming meetings and events. They are getting updated regularly.
Sad News
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of one of WSCA Chefs. Chef Walter Bronowitz passed away in Florida while working a trade show. Walter has been an active member in our association since the 1980's and has held most of WSCA board positions as well as many national ACF positions. Walter was a mentor to myself and to most of the chefs that I know. His passing has left a hole not only in my heart but in the ACF. Having a board meeting without seeing Walters smile or hear his unique laugh will not be the same. We will be informed when Diane is ready to celebrate Walter's Life and I will pass it along to all for support.
