Bite of Apprentice

For those of us who attended the Bite of Apprentice on April 27th at Renton Technical College, we were treated to an array of culinary delights from the schools, businesses and apprentice cooks.  It was hard to pick a favorite from the many unique and flavorful samples.  Our only disappointment of the night was that we had too much food for the guests that did come to enjoy the hard work of the cooks and chefs. Next year promises to be an even bigger event and we will spread the word to get more guests to come and enjoy the tastes that are created by some of our best culinarians.  Please make sure to visit the website to see pictures.

ACF Signature Series Chef Connect

Our first ACF Signature Series Chef Connect for Central/Western Regional Conference in Indianapolis is over and it was exciting for our chapter.  Chef Gary Fuller won the Herman G. Rusch Chef's Achievement award for the region and is now going to the national convention in Orlando to represent our region and bring home the National award. Congratulations Gary from all of us at the chapter and good luck at Nationals.

Our own Lake Washington Institute of Technology brought home the Gold Medal with an impressive sweep in the knowledge Bowl competition. Alyssa Pereira, Annie Martin, Cassie Heaton, Denise Garman and Dave Johnson were the students that took the gold. Chef Janet Waters, team coach was very proud of the students.  They are going to Orlando next to represent our Region at the Nationals.  We wish them all to have great knowledge and retention for the completion. 

Sad News

I have a sad note to report.  Chef Evelyn Enslow passed away on April 25th. Evelyn was a past president of the WSCA and was very active in our association over the years.  Evelyn was the first female recipient of the American Academy of Chefs designation in the Pacific Northwest. Evelyn was the executive chef for the Bellevue Athletic Club and the University Women's Club. She was very active in competitions over the years and had many published recipes in magazines and books as well as appearances on KIRO morning shows. Evelyn will be missed.  

June Meeting

Our June Meeting and Appreciation BBQ will be held at Angle Lake Park on Sunday June 14th at 12 noon to 4pm. There will be fun, food, possible music, and did I say food?  The address to the park is 19408 International Blvd. SeaTac, WA  98168 - Shelter "C".  Chef Brandon Lavielle's catering company will be taking care of us.  There is no charge for members to this event.  You are welcome to bring non-members at a cost of $10.00 per person.  We are not allowed alcoholic beverages at this park so please do not bring any to the event.  I hope to see you all there to enjoy a sunny day with no stress.

Coming Events

  
Our next Meeting will not be until September.  Our August board meeting will be held at Western Foodservices with chef Brian Date as our host.  More information to follow with times and dates for the fall and winter meetings.  Thank you all and enjoy the summer if I do not see you at the BBQ.   

Please take the time to read Emily Romnes Monthly letter below on The Pyramid Principle.

 

Join us on WE ARE CHEFS and FACEBOOK

 

Tony Parker CEC, ACE

 

"Don't sweat the little stuff, it will all work out in the end" 

 

Washington State Chefs Association Website

 

 

  The Pyramid Principle

By Emily Romnes

I know a weird trick that can make your life a success, all you have to do is think like an Egyptian.

Trust me, if you use this weird trick when friends are struggling with child support, putting one credit card charge on another credit card, and eating ramen, you will travel the world pondering where you should build your second vacation home.

Remember the pyramids? If you don't, Google them, I will wait. Notice how the pyramids rest on a broad base? They do not sit on their point that would be architecturally impossible.

Life can be lived by the pyramid plan: when you are young and have the most resources, make your foundation.  If you give your time and energy now, when you are older, the good life will be yours. The average 20 year old lives the inverted pyramid plan. Racking up debt and forcing a 60-year-old-self to pay the price. There is no balance and the heavy structure relies on its weakest point.

To live by the pyramid plan you constantly make provisions for your 60-year-old self. It is simple, find a purposeful job in your field that promises promotion. Live on the cheap and get as many certifications in your field as possible. Make many allies and only a few solid friends. All too often, our friends distract us with parties we cannot miss and the graduation presents we have to give. It is far better to have allies, that is work related connections, who will help you on your journey to the top.

All of this may sound cold and unfeeling but really it is the way to truly enjoy life. At times, you may feel alone and without friends,  but in the long run  you will live a rewarding life. You will be able to give to others time and advice. If you get discouraged, turn to your colleagues who work twice as hard. Or to the great chefs in the past: Escoffier and Careme, they never faltered, thinking only of the future of cuisine and the glorification of food.

How will you build your pyramid?