February 21–23
Renaissance Schaumburg
Schaumburg, Ill.
2009 ACF Central Regional Conference
This year’s Central Regional conference was memorable with MORE
networking, MORE educational programming and MORE professional
development opportunities. A sincere “thank you” to ACF
Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Inc. and Richard Naglich, CEC, chapter
president. View the photos.
The pre-conference sessions focused on Food Safety & Sanitation,
reminding us that reputation is paramount in the food industry, coupled
with leadership strategies that set a professional tone for the entire
conference.
Day one began with the Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge
Bowl™, sponsored by Pearson Education, and the ACF Student Team
Regional Championship, sponsored by R.L. Schreiber, Inc. The depth of
knowledge and skill of our up-and-coming chefs was impressive. The day
was rounded out nicely with a very 21st-century session of Cooking and
Baking with Healthy Oils and Proteins, sponsored by QUALISOY in
partnership with The Soyfood Council.
Day two was hallmarked with food sessions and business sessions
alike; Small Plates, Big Impressions, sponsored by Le Cordon Bleu
Schools North America, dazzled us with an inspiring demonstration of the
current trend of bite-sized and small plated desserts. Kathleen S.
Bowen, president, Mind’s Eye Resource Management, charted a path
through today’s U.S. and global investment markets. The special
feature of the day was the General Session, sponsored by US
Foodservice.
We wrapped up day three with sweet sessions on baking, sponsored by
Clabber Girl Corporation, and Chocolate Bonbon Creations, sponsored by
Barry Callebaut. The highlight of our final day was Food & Wine
Pairing: The Food is Set, The Wine Isn’t! by renowned chef Charlie
Trotter, HHOF. He focused on the concept of service and how chefs can
push the envelope to astonish their guests through food and wine, and
extraordinary pairings.
The Vice President’s Gala concluded the conference honoring award
recipients and competition
winners alike. Congratulations to all. Join me in wishing luck to
our regional winners as they prepare to compete against their regional
counterparts for national titles at our national
convention in Orlando, Fla., July 11–14.
In closing, a heartfelt “thank you” to all of our
sponsors and exhibitors. Without their support and participation, this
conference would not have been possible.
Looking forward, the 2010 ACF Central Regional Conference will take
place in Indianapolis. Early-bird registrations begin now, so register
today.
Until we meet again,
David Russell, CEC, AAC
ACF Central Region Vice President
