 |
WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE
"On The Culinary Cutting Edge Since 1921"
The ACF Chefs de Cuisine Association of St. Louis is a non-profit organization of culinary professionals dedicated to furthering the education, certification and camaraderie within our culinary community, and responding to the social and nutritional needs of our community at large.
On-line Registration and Payment Information: You may now register for any event on-line using your credit card. Or, you can always call the Chef's Hotline at 314•846•9932
|
Thanks for the
Dubois T.C. Chen Award
Wow! What a night. The Chef of the Year Dinner Dance this past November 2nd was a special evening for me in so many ways. I have not really been a big fan of celebrating my birthday for many years, and since my mom doesn’t make me my favorite chocolate cake anymore, it has lost some of the luster of my youth. Last year, I was able to leave the hospital after a five day stay with a severe e. coli infection on November 2nd and frankly I hoped for a more memorable birthday this year… albeit perhaps a more quite one. With that in mind I almost planned on not attending the dinner. Thank goodness my fabulous wife Sarah insisted we go. I think it is just a reason for me to have to dance, but she convinced me. Well, Sunday came and she even convinced me to spend the evening at the hotel so we checked in and I even watched a little football before putting on my tuxedo and heading to the Home nightclub.
Once there, I remembered why I go to Chefs De Cuisine events -- to see my friends! This chapter amazes me as we continue to reach ever increasing heights. The certifications, competitions, personal and group accomplishments, locally, nationally, and internationally are tremendous. I encourage students every semester to join and be active because you can only get what you give from the association. I’m often saddened that so few join, yet proud that those that actively engage themselves are better for their efforts.
The appetizers were great, the Manhattans were fine, and it was good to see so many familiar faces. We headed upstairs in anticipation of a spectacular meal and then to be recognized, by my heroes, with the Dubois T.C. Chen award. Eleven years ago I was honored as Chef of the Year. I am still humbled by the honor. Now to join the ranks of titans is even more gratifying. I have had the pleasure of working for three prior recipients, Chefs Sommer and Bogacki as well as Marianela McInturff. They have all been inspirational.
This is the family that has helped shape me professionally and personally, and to be honored by you is very special. I have told students that I would not be where I am today if not for the Chefs de Cuisine. I pledge to continue to advance our profession and pass on the skills to those that follow. I will always honor our history, and the chefs we have lost. Thank you all for making my birthday in 2008 such a memorable one.
Yours in cooking,
Robert Hertel, CEC, CCE, AAC, FMP
Professor Hospitality Studies
St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
|
12-2008
