Press Release
Keriann Von Raesfeld Wins International Culinary Competition
Von Raesfeld Named "Best Young Cook in the World" at
WACS Congress
St. Augustine, Fla., May 16, 2008 - Keriann
Von Raesfeld, sponsored by Custom Culinary, Inc., won first place in the
Hans Bueschkens Junior Chefs Challenge held at the World Association of
Chefs Societies (WACS) Congress in Dubai, May 12-15.
Von Raesfeld, a member of American Culinary Federation (ACF) Santa
Clara Valley Chapter, represented the Americas as she competed against
16 young cooks from other nations. Competitors had six hours to create
menus and serve meals as they vied to win the Hans Bueschkens Memorial
Trophy and title of "best young cook in the world." Johannes Wagner of
Germany placed second and Jorge Fernandez of Portugal placed third.
"It is not an easy task to travel across the world to compete against
cooks who represent such varied cuisines. In this competition, Keriann
proved she truly is the best young cook in the world. She is dedicated,
talented and represented our country with unparalleled professionalism,"
said John Kinsella, CMC, CCE, AAC, ACF national president.
Before the international competition, Von Raesfeld trained with her
coach, Randy Torres, culinary-arts department chair at Professional
Culinary Institute (PCI), Campbell, Calif., in Chicago and Salt Lake
City to prepare for cooking in different locations. Contributing factors
to her success included the extensive research she did on Dubai and its
cuisine, and her practice with the ingredients she expected to
encounter.
Von Raesfeld won the right to represent the United States at an
ACF-sponsored invitational competition Jan. 14 in Chicago. A recent
graduate of PCI's culinary-arts program, she is a student in the
school's baking/pastry-arts program.
Dubai is not the end of the road when it comes to international
competitions for Von Raesfeld; in fact, it is just the beginning. She
will represent the United States in the Concours International Des
Jeunes Commis Rôtisseurs, held in Paris, France, September 18-20,
2008.
The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the
premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. With
20,000 members spanning more than 230 chapters nationwide, ACF is the
culinary leader in offering educational resources, training,
apprenticeship and accreditation. In addition, ACF operates the most
comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States. ACF
is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the
United States in major international culinary competitions, and also
holds the presidium for the World Association of Chefs Societies, the
largest international network of chef associations with more than 8
million members globally. For more information, please visit www.acfchefs.org.
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Photos can be obtained by contacting Patricia Carroll at pcarroll@acfchefs.net or by
calling (800) 624-9458, ext. 147.
Contact: Patricia Carroll
Communications Director
(800) 624-9458, ext. 147
pcarroll@acfchefs.net