Please click on the navigation bar for  Chef / Year Culinary competitions information. 

Please see our home page for current events, dinners, events and information.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our  archive of past press releases is being updated.
Please contact Lance McCloud lancemccloud@acfla.org
or 310-479-3848 for current information.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Immediate Release:

For additional information, contact:
Lance McCloud
Communications Chair 
ACF / Chefs de Cuisine of Association of California, Los Angeles Chapter 
310-479-3848
lancemcccloud@acfla.org

COMPASS GROUP'S, EUREST LOS ANGELES Presents "OUR TOP CHEFS" BENEFIT DINNER

WHO: American Culinary Federation (ACF) / Chefs de Cuisine Association of California, Los Angeles Chapter, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch, Compass Group's, Eurest Dining Services.

WHAT: SCHOLARSHIP FUND RAISING DINER PRESENTED BY COMPASS GROUP'S, EUREST FINE DINING SERVICES LOS ANGELES "TOP CHEFS" !

WHEN: May 17th, 6:00-10:30pm*

WHERE: At the historical Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch, 950 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles California. Parking in lot at Corner of Olympic & Grand.

WHY: We invite you to enjoy an elegant dinner in a once in a lifetime dining location with a spectacular view overlooking the lights of downtown. You and your guests relax and savor the talents of the top chefs of the Compass Group's Eurest Los Angeles Fine Dining Services. Eurest provides fine dinning for many of our local entertainment studios and fortune 500 companies on the west coast. Compass Group is the worlds leading foodservice and hospitality organization. Eurest has a long history and respected name in Europe with services in more than 80 countries.

Your ticket proceeds are helping to support scholarships for American Culinary Federation, Chefs de Cuisine Association, Los Angeles chapter outstanding Jr. members. 

MORE: 

About the dinner:

Your hosts are Robert Sy, General Manager Eurest Dining Services, Charlotte Besas, Bank Location Event Coordinator and ACF Los Angeles Chapter President Dennis Sheeler, Executive Chef, with Eurest Dining. 
 Friends, family, clients, customers, and purveyors all are welcome to this special and unique night, but we have limited seating. Reserve your place now!

6:00-6:30 Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the Federal Reserve Bank's history. 

6:30 Elevator to balcony with outdoor patio. 

7:00 ACF Accredited "Functional Fuel" presentation by Jeff McCollum (Members 1 point)

7:30 Dinner - Imagine what the top chefs from the Eurest Family have created for you in the theme of the great Southwest.

Exciting video highlights from the Chef of the Year Los Angeles cook off will be shown and prizes will be raffled. 


On behalf of board members of ACF/Chef's de Cuisine Los Angeles Chapter and our members and friends we welcome you and look forward to greeting you and your guests. 


HOW TO RESERVE SEATING TODAY:
(Businesses can request tables of 8.)

ALL SEATING RESERVATIONS WILL CLOSE MAY 13th!

$65 General Donation to reserve seating.
$45 for ACF/CCAC Junior Members
Includes wine with dinner, tax & gratuity. A portion of proceeds supports our Local Chapter's Jr. Scholarship programs. 
Parking is $3 easy in the lot at Olympic and Grand.

If you cannot make an event or fund raising dinner you can still you support with a donation of $25 dollars via your credit card online or by mailing a check.

1. Reserve online with your credit card and your name and the number of your guests will be on the guest list at the dinner. You can also bring a printout of your conformation email, & gets maps- www.acfla.org

**OR**

2. Mail your check to ACF/CCAC Los Angeles Office. Please include your name, number of guests, and your phone number to:

ACF/Chefs de Cuisine Association of 
California, Los Angeles Chapter
15981 Yarnell, #124, Sylmar, CA 
91342-1054 
Atten. Compass Group/Eurest L.A. TopChefs Dinner
Office (818) 559-5218 Email:office@acfla.org


WANT TO JOIN THE PRESS CLUB? Go to: http://www.lapressclub.org

Members of the Press Please RSVP: To: lancemcccloud@acfla.org

MORE:
About the ACF / Chefs de Cuisine Association of California (CCAC)
Founded in 1923 the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California (CCAC) is among the oldest Cooks Societies in the country. The association joined up with the American Culinary Federation (founded 1929) as the ACF/ CCAC/ Los Angeles Chapter in an effort to "expand horizons" and membership by embracing a nation of chefs. The membership includes culinary professionals of all ages and their support groups such as vendors and sponsors. The ACF/CCAC Los Angeles Chapter seeks to foster a spirit of courteous consideration and fraternal cooperation within our profession and to raise funds to award scholarships to outstanding Jr. Members to further their education. The newest goal of the ACF/CCAC is to offer real life opportunities through competition, a forum for Los Angeles chef's expression in food and a values alignment with the national vision! For more information visit www.acfla.org or please call (818) 559-5218 or email: Office@acfla.org 

About Compass Group's Eurest Fine Dining Services
Update: In January 2004 The Compass Group, the world's largest food service organization, and world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck today announced a strategic partnership involving Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events. The companies have executed an agreement that includes the Compass Group's acquisition of an interest in Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events. 
The agreement further extends the expertise of Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events in the contract food service industry. Specifically, it provides an exclusive opportunity to expand Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events into Compass Group's diverse portfolio of operating sectors including business and industry accounts (Eurest and Flik), additional cultural institutions (Restaurant Associates), sports and entertainment locations (Levy Restaurants), and schools and universities (Chartwells) throughout North America and internationally. Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events currently orchestrates hundreds of celebrated events a year such as The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Governors Ball®, GLAAD Media Awards, The ESPY Awards, BET Awards, AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards Honoring Tom Hanks and Robert DeNiro, National Urban League Convention & Gala, Fulfillment Fund "Stars Gala" honoring Jeffrey Katzenberg, The Louis Vuitton United Cancer Front Gala, Donna Karan/Marshall Field's Fashion Show, Lincoln Park Zoo Gala, Lyric Opera Chicago and is the exclusive caterer for Steppenwolf Theatre. They also operate in landmark locations throughout Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and soon in Washington, DC, Minneapolis and Dallas. 

Eurest is the business and institution sector of Compass Group who is the worlds leading foodservice and hospitality organization. Compass Group provides quality food service for customers at a range of locations - offices, factories, railway stations, airports, universities, schools, healthcare institutions, offshore and remote sites, retails stores and shopping malls. Our aim is to be the worlds most profitable and highest quality foodservice and hospitality group. With a wide geographic and market sector coverage in more than 80 countries, employing over 250,000 people, our business is diverse, operating in different regions and cultural environments. 
Launched in 1996 Eurest Dining Services marked its first year of operation in North American by wining the IBM account, the largest contract ever awarded in the industries history with more than 34 sites across the country. Since then, Eurest has also secured the accounts for Microsoft, Prudential, Johnson & Johnson and Bel Atlantic. Eurest counts among it clients most of the Fortune 500 companies including the first global contract in the foodservice industry serving 110,000 Philips employees at 118 sites in Europe and the United States. Eurest's Profiles in Good Taste program debuted in 1998 at the corporate headquarters of for Southwest Airlines. Profiles is a modular system bringing retail expertise into more traditionally unbranded locations. It is the front of the house concept emulating the poplar practice of leading restaurants where chefs prepare dishes in full view of diners and actively mix with their clientele. Eurest has a long history and respected name in Europe. Launched as a global operating division, Eurest proudly provides foodservice worldwide.

About the Federal Reserve Bank
The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch is one of twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks across the U.S. that, together with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., serve as our nation's central bank. The Twelfth Federal Reserve District includes the nine western states--Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington--and American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Branches are located in Los Angeles, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle and a cash processing office in Phoenix. The largest District, it covers 35 percent of the nation's landmass, ranks first in the size of its economy, and is home to approximately 20 percent of the nation's population.


About the NATIONAL ACF (American Culinary Federation) 
Founded in 1929, ACF is the largest chefs' organization in the world. ACF sets and upholds the highest standards of professional cooking in the nation and, in so doing, makes a positive difference for culinarians internationally through education and creates a fraternal bond of respect and integrity. For more information please log onto http://www.acfchefs.org or call (614) -888-1381

                                               #####

RECENT:03/05/04

For additional information, contact:
Lance McCloud
Communications Chair
ACF / Chefs de Cuisine of Association of California, Los Angeles Chapter
310-479-3848
lancemcccloud@acfla.org

WHO: ACF / Chefs de Cuisine Association of California, Los Angeles Chapter

WHAT: The 1st in our series of three 2004 Chef of the Year Los Angeles Nominee Dinner and benefit. A portion of proceeds supports our Local Jr. Scholarship’s programs and culinary educational programs.

*WHEN: March 15, 6:30-10pm*

*WHERE: Braemar Country Club <http://www.braemarclub.com/> 4001 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91357.

WHY: Excellent Food, exceptional setting and because it's a benefit dinner to support scholar ships for our Los Angeles Jr. Members. Plus the food donated by our sponsors makes this dinning experience a great value.

MORE:

We invite you to enjoy a wonderful, elegant and exciting dinner, the first in a series of three dinners showcasing the talents of our Chefs who will compete in our upcoming Chef of the Year Los Angeles 2004 Culinary Competition in August to be held at the Western Food EXPO Los Angeles.

(Last Year winner was Stephan Samson Executive Chef of Valintino Restaurant in Santa Monica, CA.)

Our Host is Executive Chef Jason Sperber, of the Braemar Country Club www.braemarclub.com


About the dinner:

This will be a the first Los Angeles Chef of the Year Nominee Dinner #1 for 2004 this dinner will feature:

Jason Sperber, Executive Chef Braemar Country Club

Romeo Warin, 2003 Chef of the Year Los Angeles Nominee (Professionally trained in Paris, recently at café province on Montana Ave in Santa Monica, currently opening new venture.)

Dennis Sheeler, President ACFLA, Executive Chef, Eurest Dinning (Providing fine dinning service for many of our entertainment studios in Burbank.

These excellent chefs will prepare one or more courses to showcase their talent to the membership and the Chef of the Year Los Angeles committee and past Chef of the Year recipients. As well as those who attend the dinner.

Recognitions, inductions, issues from the floor will be presented.

Invite or bring your friends, family, co-workers, clients, customers, purveyors all public fine dinning and food aficionados are welcome! Hurry Limited Seating is still open. Visit the ACFLA.ORG web site to reserve your seating.

The final version of our exciting video presentation of our recent Chef of the Year Los Angeles culinary competition will be shown.

6:30 Reception and Vendor Mixing.

7:00 Broadleaf Farms Presents "Wagyu Cattle and Kobe Beef" - The secret behind two new genes found in the Wagyu Cattle and the omega 3 fatty acids that help reduce cholesterol.

Special: New "Kobe Beef" Hot dog tasting!

7:30 Dinner - Mystery Menu. - Come out and see what the chef of the year 2004 candidates have in store for you.

On behalf of the new board members of ACF/Chef's de Cuisine Los Angeles Chapter and our members and friends we welcome you and look forward to greeting you and your guests.

MORE INFO: Go to www.acfla.org   www.acfla.org click on event page to order tickets and reserve seating. $60 Ticket includes wine/parking/gratuity. Directions and Maps on the site event page.

WANT TO JOIN THE LA PRESS CLUB? www.lapressclub.org

RSVP: To: lancemcccloud@acfla.org 

More:

About the ACF / Chefs de Cuisine Association of California (CCAC) Los Angeles Chaper.
Founded in 1923 the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California (CCAC) is among the oldest Cooks Societies in the country. The association joined up with the American Culinary Federation (founded 1929) as the CCAC/ ACF Los Angeles Chapter in an effort to “expand horizons” and membership by embracing a nation of chefs. The membership includes culinary professionals of all ages and their support groups such as vendors and sponsors. The CCAC seeks to foster a spirit of courteous consideration and fraternal cooperation within our profession and to raise money to award scholar ships outstanding Jr Members to further their education. The newest goal of the CCAC/ACFLA is to offer real life opportunities through competition, a forum for Los Angeles chef’s expression in food and a values alignment with the national vision! For more information visit www.acfla.org <http://www.acfla.org> or please call (818) 559-5218 or email: Office@acfla.org <mailto:ccacacfLA@aol.com>

About the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo-LA:
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo-LA is produced in conjunction with Reed Exhibitions (RX) and the California Restaurant Association (CRA). EXPO-LA is the largest regional foodservice and hospitality exhibition in America, bringing foodservice suppliers in touch with buyers from all 50 states and more than 36 countries. Reed Exhibitions produces several foodservice events including the Florida Restaurant Show held September 20-22 at the Orange County Convention Center, the San Francisco Restaurant Show which was be held October 10-12, 2003, The Western Food Expo held in August 2-5^{th 2003, This years will again be at the Los Angeles convention Center in late August, and the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York to be held March 14-16, 2004. For more information about exhibiting at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo-LA please call 203-840-5410; to attend, please call 888-334-8705 or visit the web site at www.westernfoodexpoLA.com <http://www.westernfoodexpoLA.com>}

#####

Recent: 02/15/04

Press Releases:

For additional information, contact:
Lance McCloud
Communications Director 
ACF Los Angeles Chapter 
310-479-3848
marcomchair@acfla.org

ACF Announces Candidates for 2004 Regional Chefs of the Year

The ACF Chef of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skill, advanced American cuisine, and given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices. The following are regional candidates for ACF's national Chef of the Year award, which will name the U.S.A.'s Chef of the Year^TM for 2004.

One candidate from each region will be chosen as this year's Regional Chef of the Year and announced at the respective regional conference. The four finalists will compete in a cook-off at the 2004 ACF National Convention in Orlando, Fla., in July. The awards are sponsored by UBF Foodsolutions North America.

The ACF Los Angeles Chapter is on the forefront of change. They are the first chapter to change the Chef of the Year Award from a popularity vote to an intense "iron chef style" live cooking competition. The new yearly competition is viewed by many as a positive signal of change for the many hard  working Los Angeles's chefs, restaurants, educators and culinary community who's focus on the food may keep them in the kitchen out of the spotlight. This years nominees form a diverse field of highly regarded chefs, many from well known local establishments, hotels and the educational community.  Their efforts will be recognized by a panel of certified master chefs  including Roland G. Henin, CMC, CCE, AAC,  John Hui, CEPC AAC, Roland Schaeffer, CEC, AAC and Joe Amendola, CEPC, CCE, AAC and 2002 ACF Chef of the Year.

Congratulations Chef Stephan, our blue ribbon panel of ACF certified judges gave you the highest marks for your culinary expertise at our sanctioned culinary competition in August at the California restaurant Associations Western Food Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center.. We wish you success as you move up to the regional competition. We also would like to welcome you as a new ACF Los Angeles Chapter member!

Stephen Samson (Our candidate and our ACF Los Angeles Chapter Chef of the Year)
Executive Chef
Valentino Restaurant
Santa Monica, Calif.
Western Region

Jud Flynn, CEC
Senior Executive Chef
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Personal Touch
Catering
Blacksburg, Va.
Southeastern Region

Friedrich "Fritz" Gitschner, CMC, AAC
Executive Chef
Houston Country Club
Houston, Texas
Central Region

Thomas Hiestand, CEC
Executive Chef
The Herrington Inn and Spa
Geneva, Ill.
Central Region

John Hudak, CEC, AAC
Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director
Huntsville Golf Club
Shavertown, Pa.
Northeastern Region

J. Daniel Knerr, CEC, AAC
Executive Chef
The Black Pearl
Newport, R.I.
Northeastern Region

Jonathan Kraft, CEC
Executive Chef
Sunset Country Club
St. Louis, Mo.
Central Region

Kenneth McNamee
Executive Chef
Columbia Tower Club
Seattle
Western Region

Derin Moore, CMC
Executive Chef
Dunwoody County Club
Dunwoody, Ga.
Southeastern Region

Richard Potter, CEC, AAC
Chef and Owner
Stringtown Restaurant and Catering
Florence, Ky.
Northeastern Region

Michael Redmond, CEC
Executive Chef
Genesee Valley Club
Rochester, N.Y.
Northeastern Region

John Saundry, CEC, AAC
Executive Chef
Mariner Sands Country Club Inc.
Stuart, Fla.
Southeastern Region

ACF launched its Chef of the Year Award in 1963 as its highest honor to recognize outstanding efforts to promote and elevate the culinary profession in the United States. Until this year, the national title, awarded to one of four regional winners, was decided by popular vote among ACF members via mail-in ballot.

According to Edward G. Leonard, CMC, AAC, president of ACF and executive chef of Westchester Country Club in Rye, N.Y., determining ACF’s national Chef of the Year based on a live cook-off better reflects the image of today’s ACF.

"With this award, we felt that it was time to get back to cooking," Leonard says. "In Europe, all such competitions are open to everybody and determined by cook-offs. It gives the award more value when it's based on cooking skill."

The four regional candidates for the National Chef of the Year Award will cook before 1,500 of their peers at ACF's 2003 National Convention. The jury will be composed of professional culinary judges, foodservice-industry leaders and members of the news media, who will base their evaluations on culinary skills and tasting. ACF’s Chef of the Year will win $5,000.

About the ACF / Chefs de Cuisine Association of California (CCAC)
Founded in 1923 the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California (CCAC) is among the oldest Cooks Societies in the country. The association joined up with the American Culinary Federation (founded 1929) as the CCAC/ ACF Los Angeles Chapter in an effort to “expand horizons” and membership by embracing a nation of chefs. The membership includes Culinary professionals of all ages and their support groups such as vendors and sponsors. The CCAC seeks to foster a spirit of courteous consideration and fraternal cooperation within our profession. The newest goal of the CCAC/ACFLA is to offer real life opportunities through competition, a forum for Los Angeles chefs expression in food and a values alignment with the national vision!  For more  information please call (818) 559-5218 or email: ccacacfLA@aol.com

About the NATIONAL ACF (American Culinary Federation) Founded in 1929, ACF is the largest chefs’ organization in the world. ACF sets and upholds the highest standards of professional cooking in the nation and, in so doing, makes a positive difference for culinarians internationally through education and creates a fraternal bond of respect and integrity. For more information please log onto http://www.acfchefs.org or call (614) -888-1381

About the California Restaurant Association
The leader of California’s restaurant industry since 1906, the California Restaurant Association (CRA) represents over 20,000 foodservice establishments throughout the state.  The CRA offers a wide variety of benefits to its members including discounts on essential products & services, marketing & networking opportunities, informative publications on industry issues, scholarship programs through the Educational Foundation, and effective government representation. For more information please log onto www.calrest.org or call (800) 765-4842.

About the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo-LA:
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo-LA is produced in conjunction with Reed Exhibitions (RX) and the California Restaurant Association (CRA). EXPO-LA is the largest regional foodservice and hospitality exhibition in America, bringing foodservice suppliers in touch with buyers from all 50 states and more than 36 countries.  Reed Exhibitions produces several foodservice events including the Florida Restaurant Show to be held September 20-22 at the Orange County Convention Center, the San Francisco Restaurant Show which will be held October 10-12, 2003, and the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York to be held March 14-16, 2004.  For more information about exhibiting at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo-LA  please call 203-840-5410; to attend, please call 888-334-8705 or visit the web site at  www.westernfoodexpoLA.com

###

------

Recent Press Coverage :

Nations Restaurant News Story

Press Releases:

UPDATE 10/21/03 

The winner of the ACF Los Angeles 1st Annual Chef of the Year Los Angeles is Executive Chef Stephan Samson, of Valentino Restaurant
Santa Monica, CA

Congratulations Chef Stephan, our blue ribbon panel of ACF certified judges gave you the highest marks for your culinary expertise at our sanctioned culinary competition in August at the Western food expo. We wish you success as you move up to the regional competition. We also would like to welcome you as a new ACF Los Angeles Chapter member!

On October 20th, the ACF/Chefs de Cuisine Los Angeles held it's annual Presidents Ball in Los Angeles. The gala dinner featured a video premier presentation of our 1st Chef of the Year Los Angeles competition as well as the official announcement of this years Los Angeles Chef of the Year award, more details and pictures to come.. 

The Los Angeles Chef of the Year Award hosted by our Los Angeles Chapter is the first chapter to change from a popularity vote to an intense "iron chef style" live cooking competition. The new yearly competition is a positive change and well regarded event for Los Angeles area chefs, restaurants, hotels, caterers, educators and culinary community.  Nominees are a diverse field of highly regarded chefs, many from well known local establishments, hotels and the educational community. Nominations are open for Los Angeles Chef of the Year 2004 no membership required. The Los Angeles competition is a media intense event for participants, sponsors and the culinary community as well as an excellent educational experience. We encourage your participation!  Find how now how our event can benefit you.

Chefs Team Table results: "One of the highlights on the show floor was the American Culinary Federation’s First Annual Chefs de Cuisine Association Culinary Competition. Winning first place in the 2003 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo-LA Chef Table Luncheon was Team Desert Springs led by Steve Ferraro of the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Springs, CA. The 2^nd place team was Team Keoki, led by Joseph Orate from Grossmont College. Team Keoki represented restaurants in the San Diego, Orange Coast and Los Angeles regions. The 3^rd place team was Team Beach led by José Luis Jimenez from the Santa Monica Beach Country Club. Many of the chefs that participated will also go on to the Los Angeles Chef of the Year Awards, which will be announced in October 2004 at the Gala Presidents ball."- Amy Riemer, Media Relations of Reed Exhibitions

Team Table Background Pictures and other competition winners coming soon.

We would like to thank all our competitors, participants and sponsors for supporting a successful culinary competition. We look forward to working with you as planning begins on the 2004 culinary competition.

NEWS ARCHIVE:

07/31/2003 - ACF LOS ANGELES & CHEFS DE CUISINE OF CALIFORNIA, Inc.  ANNOUNCES LA AREA CHEF OF THE YEAR NOMINEES TO  COMPETE AT 1ST ANNUAL COMPETITION  DURING WESTERN FOODSERVCE & HOSPITALITY EXPO LOS ANGELES.

Old media temp center at www.clubculinary.com has more background info but no longer will be updated. We are in progress of moving competition information from club culinary to this site.

Hooks Angles Kickers H.I.S. & Evergreens.  ACF/CACC Los Angeles Chapter leadership and member chefs can also provide quotes, comments, and expert opinions in print, radio and TV for local and national events related to food, cooking. hospitality industry or a  particular assignment or story you may have.

Future File -  We have many upcoming events, broadcast quality video or other media related materials of our Culinary Competitions, events, seminars and dinners. The Los Angeles Chapter has many new exciting events planed for 2004 and beyond. If would like more information please click here. to join our Los Angeles media club.