The Members and Board of Directors Tampa Chapter of the American Culinary Federation are proud to honor their 2023 chapter awards recipients at a dinner ceremony held at downtown Clearwater’s historic Ft. Harrison Hotel. As part of the process members have the opportunity to suggest potential nominees who meet the requirements for Executive Board review with the most qualified awarded in their specific category.
In acknowledgement of their contributions and service to the general member of the Tampa ACF Chapter of the American Culinary Federation following are the recipients of Presidential Medallions: Jim Churches, Zoltan Vajna, Barry Reid, Zachary Crossman, Lynn Juillerat, Geoff Blanchette, Vince Blancato, Mike Wells, Matt Elmore, Bryan Frick and Daniel Hevia.
Recipients within specific award categories include:
George Pastor Award (Outstanding Achievement): Marc Castillo
Partner of the Year: FSC Franchise Co.
Student Member of the Year: Ja’Vin LeCount
Chapter Member of the Year: Zachary Crossman
Chapter Pastry Chef of the Year: Anastasia Spencer McGee
Chapter Chef of the Year: Steve Afflixio CEC, AAC
In a statement offered by chapter President, Vanessa Marquis CEC, AAC “It is an honor to present the awards to members who have demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication to the culinary industry and the Tampa Bay community. Nights like this evening make me proud to be an ACF member.”
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 go out into their communities to 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
https://www.acftampabay.com/
Chapter Contact:
Tim Nicholson