2011 American Academy of Chefs Award
Recipients
Stafford DeCambra, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC
Chair’s Medal
Stafford DeCambra, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC,
corporate executive chef, PCI Gaming Authority, Atmore, Ala.; ACF Poarch
Creek Chapter, Inc.
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. Past
Winners
Lawrence A. Conti, CEC, AAC, HOF, Chair’s Achievement
Award
Donal Weaving, CEC, AAC, retired executive
chef/owner, Majestic Oyster Bar and Grille, Indianapolis, Ind.; ACF
Greater Indianapolis Chapter
This award is given to a Fellow of the Academy who is not only dedicated
to the American Academy of Chefs but also to the culinary profession.
This individual must be an ACF member for a minimum of 35 years and be
actively in the AAC and the ACF, making the advancement of both
organizations a personal priority. The person selected for this award
will have achieved success in both business and culinary arts and must
have the respect of AAC Fellows at large. Past
Winners
Derek Spendlove, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Joseph Amendola Award
Derek Spendlove, CEPC, CCE, AAC, chair,
baking/pastry arts, Sullivan University, Louisville, KY.; ACF Kentucky
Chapter
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 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. Past
Winners
J. Kevin Walker, CMC, AAC
Chef Good Taste Award
J. Kevin Walker, CMC, AAC, executive chef,
Cherokee Town and Country Club, Atlanta; ACF Greater Atlanta Chapter
The AAC presents the Chef Good Taste Awards annually to Academy Fellows
who have been actively involved in furthering the culinarian’s
greatest achievements and upholding the traditions of classical cuisine.
Past
Winners
Frank Leake, CCC, CCE, AAC
Sharing Culinary Traditions Award
Frank Leake, CCC, CCE, AAC, professor of
culinary arts, Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Honolulu; Chefs de
Cuisine Association of Hawaii Honolulu
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. Past
Winners
William J. Tillinghast, CEC, AAC, MBA
Lt. General John D. McLaughlin Award
William J. Tillinghast, CEC, AAC, MBA,
director, culinary/pastry programs, The International Culinary School at
The Art Institute of Philadelphia; ACF Philadelphia Chapter
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. Past
Winners
Regional Chair’s Award
The Regional Chair’s Award was presented annually from 2001
through 2007 to an AAC Fellow from each region who had demonstrated high
honor and whose involvement in the AAC had been recognized by their
region’s AAC director. Past
Winners
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. More
