American Academy of Chefs

The honor society of ACF, the American Academy of Chefs (AAC) represents the highest standards of professionalism in the organization, society and industry. The AAC is an ambassador of culinary education and programs.

The Academy at National Convention

The 2010 ACF National Convention, hosted by ACF Orange Empire Chefs & Professional Cooks Association, held in Anaheim, Calif., Aug. 2–5, was a success.

The Academy kicked off the convention with a First Annual Chef’s Golf Classic on Monday morning, Aug. 2, at the beautiful Anaheim Hills. Teams competed in a four-person scramble for the longest drive, closest to pin and best scores. View photos.

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, the Hilton Anaheim hosted the fun and entertaining Spouses Luncheon. Entertainment was Frank Sinatra tribute. View photos.

During the Fellow’s Meeting on Monday afternoon, Aug. 2, at the Anaheim Marriott, Academy Chair Thomas Macrina, CEC, CCA, HGT, AAC, administered the Academy oath to twenty-two inductees and six honorary inductees. The award winners were announced and the Hall of Fame inductees gave inspirational speeches. Chef Macrina and Stafford DeCambra, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC, Academy Vice-Chair, gave an update on the State of the AAC. View photos.

The 39th Annual Academy Induction Reception and Dinner at the Anaheim Marriot on Wednesday, Aug. 3, was a huge success with 450 guests. Twenty-two chefs were inducted into the Academy, along with six honorary members, and awards were presented. Five chefs were inducted into the Academy’s Hall of Fame, and Charlie Palmer was named the Hall of Fame’s 2010 Celebrated Chef. View photos.

• 2010 Academy Inductees
• 2010 Hall of Fame Inductees
• 2010 Celebrated Chef
• 2010 Award Recipients

New Academy Merchandise

Try your hand at Pinochle and purchase a card deck in a beautiful tin box with the AAC logo. Showcase your prestigious membership in our honor society with these new AAC metal license plates and signs.

Our commemorative coin makes the perfect gift for any occasion. One side shows the Academy logo and the reverse shows the Hall of Fame logo. The coin is minted by Osborne Coinage Co., America’s oldest private mint. It contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and measures 39 mm in diameter and comes in a blue velour jewelry box. Order Now

Check out the store for other great gift ideas.

Regional Academy Dinners

This year’s regional Academy dinners were a huge success. Photos

The Western Regional Academy Dinner was hosted at the Isleta Casino and Resort in Albuquerque, N.M. Chef Manny Aguilar and his staff prepared a dinner focused on traditional New Mexican flavors, such as seared corn cake with black bean salsa, and pan-seared foie gras in a prickly pear reduction.

The Northeast Regional Academy Dinner was hosted at the historic Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pa., and was sold out three weeks before the event! Executive Chef Ken Gladysz and his staff did an outstanding job incorporating chocolate into savory dishes and served a dinner that included champagne-poached shrimp with hickory-smoked red pepper puree.

The Central Regional Academy Dinner was hosted at the Meridian Hills Country Club in Indianapolis and was also a sold-out event! Executive Chef Joe Miller and his staff prepared an exquisite dinner that included duck confit amuse-bouche and prosciutto-wrapped veal loin.

The Southeast Regional Academy Dinner was hosted at The Club in Birmingham, Ala. Executive Chef Chris Kennedy and his staff prepared a menu that included seared Hawaiian walu and diver scallop with chimichurri.

Support AAC

The AAC relies on the support of generous sponsors and donors to keep an active and successful society. Support AAC

Purchase AAC merchandise and show your support for AAC everyday—don’t forget to login to receive your member discount.

Participate in our Blog

The AAC has started a blog on We Are Chefs. Join our blog now.

Become an AAC Fellow

Review the application and induction process. More

News & Events

Check here often for the latest AAC news and events.

Honors & Awards

The AAC recognizes those who put time and effort towards furthering the culinary industry through a prestigious awards program and the Hall of Fame.

About AAC

Learn about the history of AAC and the board and committees that make it a success.

Brochure | Policy for Academy Dinners

Contact AAC

For more information on the American Academy of Chefs, please contact the national office at (800) 624-9458, ext. 102, or email academy@acfchefs.net.