News
REAL CALIFORNIA PIZZA CONTEST
 
The California Milk Advisory Board is sponsoring the 2019 Real California Pizza Contest – a search for the best pizza recipes in the nation using Real California Cheese. The contest, which awards prize money totaling $25,000, is open to professional chefs and culinary students starting on Feb. 1, 2019. Entrants can submit their most innovative pizza recipes in three categories: All Cheese, Mexican-style and the REAL California. For more information, contest rules and to submit a recipe, visit: www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com/Foodservice
Culinary & Beverage Training Center For Lease

30,000 sqft, fully built out culinary/hospitality/beverage education & training center located in Campbell, CA. (San Jose area). Turnkey condition with high end finishes. A gorgeous facility with plenty of free parking.
  • Five fully equipped kitchens
  • Two fully equipped baking and pastry kitchens
  • One demonstration kitchen with auditorium seating for 36pp
  • One beverage training lab with auditorium seating for 22pp w/adjacent storage
  • Central dry, refrigerated & frozen storage facility
  • Ample lobbies, restrooms, multi-purpose rooms, resource center, classrooms & offices
For additional leasing information or to schedule a site visit, please contact Gary Prell. 303-915-5774.  [email protected]
ACT FAST- The deadlines are approaching for ChefConnect: Minneapolis!

There are 10 Days remaining to register at the standard rate. Prices will increase after March 1, 2019 . There are 22 Days remaining to book the ACF Room Rate at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center !

Some things to know before you go:
 
  • You can set your schedule before you arrive to ChefConnect: Minneapolis. Log in your account and choose your sessions you want to attend.

  • You can purchase a book from your favorite presenter and have it signed at our event. Please purchase before the event and bring it with you for a book signing after the presenter’s session at a designated table in the back of the room.
 
We are also giving away three each of the following to everyone who registers for ChefConnect: Minneapolis before March 1, 2019:

  • VIP Badge Upgrade ($90 value)
  • Craft Brewery & Cocktail Culinary Experience ($90 value)
  • Heart of Minneapolis Food & Walking Culinary Experience ($75 value) 

All you have to do is be registered for the event. Click here to Register if you haven't yet. If you've already done that, you're all set! Good luck!
Coming in the Fall 2019 - the Exciting Launch of ACF Conference On-Demand!

We understand that not everyone can make it to our conferences every year, but you no longer have to miss out. For the first time ever, we are offering an on-demand conference option! You will be able to watch selected recorded sessions from your favorite presenters at your convenience. See ACF’s exciting line up including the iconic Jeremiah Tower, trailblazing restaurateur Matthias Merges, and the “Ace of Cakes” himself, Duff Goldman, to name a few.
Here are the details:
Choose up to five topics and presenters that speak to you! Codes will be sent out in the Fall for access to ACF’s on-demand conference. Choose from dynamic and engaging speakers from all three 2019 events. You Spoke, We Listened! #Cheersto90years
CEH Information:
If you are already attending a conference in person you will automatically receive an on-demand ticket which includes 5 bonus CEHs delivered on-demand! If you are not attending our conference and you purchase an on-demand ticket, you will receive 5 CEHs after you complete the on-demand sessions.
The Final Countdown has begun –REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 31 st !

The 2019 American Culinary Classic is open for registration! The competition is ACF and WorldChefs Sanctioned so you will be showcasing your talents among the best in the world. All requirements and information are listed on the ACF website.

We look forward to showcasing some amazing competition in Orlando, FL at the 2019 ACF National Convention !
Family Crisis? CORE cares. Learn about how CORE benefits ACF members and the community

CORE is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit that grants support to children of food and beverage service employees navigating life-altering circumstances. When family crises such as a major medical diagnosis of a parent or child, death of a parent or child, or loss of home due to natural disaster happen, CORE offers support in the form of one-time grants covering the cost of housing, utilities, and other expenses that can quickly become overwhelming for these industry workers in need.

The ACF community is a direct connection for the CORE family to reach the nation's culinary professionals who could one day benefit from our program when one of these qualifying circumstances apply. Our grants are available for all food and beverage service employees from Executive Chefs to dishwashers. We also support front of the house employees such as servers and bartenders. If you or someone you know is in need of support from CORE, please visit  COREgives.org  to learn more or apply for assistance.

The March/April issue of the National Culinary Review is coming soon! Subscribe now to make sure you get your copy!

Did you love the January/February issue? Share your pictures and show us where you're enjoying the NCR! Use the hashtag #NCRinthewild on social media and we will repost our favorites.
National Restaurant Association Show 2019

Planning to go to the NRA Show this year? Use the promo code ACF2019346282 when you register on their website and you'll only pay $69 for your ticket!
Chef Nominations Sought for Produce Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the  Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program . Now in its 12th year, this award enables United Fresh Produce Association to recognize chefs and foodservice operators for their creativity, innovation, and overall  excellence in the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts.

Chefs will be recognized in eight foodservice categories including Business in Industry, Casual and Family Dining, Colleges and Universities, Fine Dining Restaurants, and more. Nominations are due March 15, 2019. Winning Chefs receive complimentary roundtrip airfare and registration to the 2019 United Fresh Convention & Expo in Chicago. More information is available  here .
Fresh Reads
All Things Apprenticeship

Join National Apprenticeship Committee Chair, Robert Patton, CEC, CCA, AAC at ChefConnect: Atlantic City, Sunday Feb. 24th at 1PM where he will explain the new ACFEF Apprenticeship programs and how you can start an apprenticeship program of your own. 
Meet the Filmmakers of "A Fine Line" at ACF’s United In Food: Women Leaders of Today and Tomorrow at National Convention. View the film at a screening near you.
2019-2021 Board of Director Candidates

Chairperson John Minniti and his committee are pleased to announce that the list of candidates for the 2019-2021 Board of Director positions. Their candidate statements and biographies are posted on the ACF website. Watch for additional information regarding the national election in 2019.  
Nominations are being accepted for elected committee positions on the Nominations and Elections committee. Each committee has five open positions - one representative from each region and one national chairperson.

The nomination period for  Northeast and Southeast representatives is closed. Electronic ballots were sent to chapter presidents on February 11th. In-person voting will take place at ChefConnect: Atlantic City.  

The nomination period for the  Central and Western region will be open until  March 1st at midnight. Professional Culinarian members and Senior Professional Culinarian members in good standing have the opportunity to serve on this committee. If you would like to run or know someone who would like to run for one of these positions, please  click here for more information.
Enjoy saving on more than just office supplies at Office Depot and Office Max!

Use your ACF discount card to stock up on cold and flu supplies. You can also save on breakroom supplies like coffee, snacks, appliances, cleaning supplies and more. Busy schedule? Save time with the convenience of free one-hour in store pick up and free 2-day shipping on orders over $75. For more information, visit the Membership Advantage page.
Certification News
Re-certification

Earn CEHs for re-certification by attending seminars and trade shows at the ChefConnects coming up in Atlantic City and Minneapolis.
2019 CMC Exam

Are you excited about the 2019 CMC exam scheduled from March 1-10 in Livonia, MI?  Meet the Candidates and keep up with all the latest details through Facebook, We Are Chefs, and the News and Updates page
Interested in ACF Certification but not sure where to start?

Attend an ACF Certification Workshop in Atlantic City on February 23 prior to ChefConnect. National Certification Commission members will present an overview of the program and be available to answer all your questions! Pre-Register for the workshop by sending an email to [email protected].
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American Culinary Federation, 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095
(904) 824-4468 | Fax: (904) 940-0741