Chef’s from the Tampa Chapter of the American Culinary Federation gathered at The Bay Club recently to honor their Chef and Allied members for their service to the chapter and the greater Tampa community. This annual event spotlights the efforts of the membership who have stepped up to lead in initiatives regarding culinary education, community service and supporting their fellow members. In addition to the chapter member honors, the entire Tampa ACF Chapter has cause to celebrate as they were chosen as the “Chapter of the Year”, a national honor the chapter received at the ACF National Convention in Orlando in August.
The ACF Chapter of the Year Award honors chapters that strive for the highest level of excellence in all areas of chapter life, serving their members and their communities well, and supporting the ACF’s programs. The chapter provides a list to the National Office of their accomplishments, community outreach and success stories for the past year. The National President looks at the contending chapters for this honor and awards the chapter accomplishing the most for their community, for their members, and for their industry.
Recipients of the ACF Tampa Chapter Awards for 2021:
Presidential Medallion:
Gaston D. Merideth, Andy Coniglio, Patrick Artz, Zachary Crossman, Mike Menendez, Mike Cocchi and Vince Blancato
GEORGE PASTOR – Lifetime Achievement Award: Rick Eppers
Partner of the Year – US Foods-Tampa, Steve Afflixio and Cheney Brothers, Inc., Lynn Hinds Juillerat
Member of the Year – Tim Nicholson and Thom Favorin
Chapter Chef of the Year – Rene Marquis
About the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter:
Our chapter’s purpose is the advancement of the culinary profession and culinary awareness through education and certification of the membership and close interaction with other local organizations. The chapter membership is composed of chefs, cooks, culinary educators, students, and purveyors from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas Counties and the surrounding metro area. Our primary local outreach program is the ACF Educational Foundation’s Chef & Child Initiative, an ongoing program whereby our chapter chefs educate children and families in understanding proper nutrition by providing tools and resources for community-based programs led by American Culinary Federation chef members.
About the American Culinary Federation:
The American Culinary Federation, Inc. is a professional, not-for-profit organization for chefs and cooks. It was founded in 1929 in New York City by three Chefs organizations: the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, the Vatel Club and the Chefs Association of America. The principle goal of the founding chefs remains true to the ACF today – to promote the professional image of American chefs worldwide through education among culinarians at all levels, from apprentices to the most accomplished Certified Master Chefs. Successful culinarians know the value of belonging to the oldest and largest organization of chefs and cooks in the United States.
Chapter Information:
Tampa Chapter American Culinary Federation
Chapter Contact:
Tim Nicholson
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