Competitions are all new in 2020!

Regional and national competitions will all take place during National Convention in Dallas next year. Everyone will compete in the same kitchens and be evaluated by the same judges to create an even playing field.

All competitors will receive an Education Only attendee badge, a ticket to the welcome reception, and a ticket to the President's Gala — a $700 value, included for free with your $150 application fee!

Applications and more information are available here.

The deadline to apply is November 1, 2019.

New chefs join Smithfield Partners in Culinary Excellence Member Development Program

Throughout 2019, Smithfield and ACF leadership teams will choose 40 chefs ranging across a spectrum of experience levels, backgrounds and job titles to take part in an exclusive program that fosters meaningful relationships between talented chefs and the Smithfield Culinary team. Chefs welcomed into the program receive an ACF membership, the ability to gain exposure for their organization, the opportunity to consult with a leading protein company and a Smithfield-branded chef coat.  

We're proud to introduce the next set of chefs that have been selected for the program:

Join us for the Office Depot/Office Max webinar on Wednesday, October 23rd at 2pm EST.

In just 15 minutes, you can learn how to use your store-purchasing card and maximize your savings as an ACF member. Click here to sign up. 

October’s Ingredient of the Month is Chestnut!

Chestnuts are the fruit of the Castanea tree. A spiny husk called a burr protects the chestnut. Chestnuts are typically harvested mid-September through November and are one of the easiest nut varieties to harvest and prepare for storage. They can be used as an alternative to most other nuts though their sweet and earthy flavor will give any dish a unique twist.

As you read through this month’s article, test your knowledge by taking a quiz to earn continuing education hours.

Ingredient of the Month quizzes can be found on the ACF online learning center.

The deadline is quickly approaching for AAC® applications!

Do you know of a hard-working, dedicated and qualified chef? Encourage them to apply be become a member of the American Academy of Chefs® (AAC).

The "Prestigious Honor Society" of the American Culinary Federation, the AAC, offers a unique way to honor those who have worked hard and risen through the ranks of the culinary field.

A successful application for acceptance as an AAC Fellow will serve as the culmination of years of involvement in the grand profession, and as an ACF member.

An Academy Fellow must request an application for a potential inductee by sending an email to [email protected].

The deadline to submit is December 1, 2019. Requirements for induction can be found on the AAC website.