AAC Awards

Chair's Medal
The AAC Chair's Medal is bestowed annually upon one Academy Fellow who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and made outstanding contributions to the culinary profession. This individual has also maintained the highest standards and ideals of the AAC, and has significantly and positively worked to ensure excellence among future culinarians.

Regional Chair's Award
The Regional Chair's Award is presented annually to an AAC Fellow from each region who has demonstrated high honor and whose involvement in the AAC has been recognized by their region's AAC director.

Chef Good Taste Award
The AAC presents the Chef Good Taste Awards annually to four Academy Fellows who have been actively involved in furthering the culinarian's greatest achievements and upholding the traditions of classical cuisine.

Sharing Culinary Traditions Award
The AAC presents the Sharing Culinary Traditions Award annually to one Academy Fellow who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the education of future culinarians and whose involvement in the AAC has been recognized by their region's AAC director.

John D. McLaughlin Award
The Lt. General John D. McLaughlin Trophy is presented annually to an individual of high honor, distinction, and involvement in the culinary field. This award was established in memory of Lt. General McLaughlin, who was instrumental in bringing professional recognition to the American executive chef.

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Academy Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to a highly respected individual that has been a trendsetter in the culinary industry and is well-known for his or her significant impact on the profession. The recipient is an individual who has been recognized for his or her exemplary leadership, motivation and inspiration to colleagues and the youth of the culinary industry, as well as having devoted significant time to community service activities.

Joseph Amendola Award
The Joseph Amendola Award is presented to a Pastry Chef or Master Baker. The recipient has devoted their career to their profession and to the mentoring of young individuals who will be future pastry chefs. This award was established in memory of Joseph Amendola who has touched the lives of students in countless ways with his dedication to teaching, his amazing talent as an ice sculptor, his engaging personality, and his infectious passion for baking.

Service Award Pin
The AAC Service Award Pin is presented to Academy Fellows who demonstrate active participation, service and dedication to the AAC, ACF and culinary profession. An AAC Fellow must meet all criteria as defined in the application form in order to be eligible to receive the award. To request an application, please contact the Academy office at ACF's national headquarters at 800-624-9458.