Thank you all for your hard work and time that was devoted to make the President's Awards and Chef of the year dinner a night to remember. David Festenstein was chair for the event and did a fantastic job of organizing the dinner. I'd also like to recognize Becky Altmann, CPC, Jan Streeter and Judith Keltz who organized reservations. Thank You all for your efforts.

The gala event started with a champagne reception and hors d'oeuvres grazing stations by the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Cobblestone County Club, Genesee Valley Club and the Rochester Red Wings. Thank you for your support.

The program began with the parade of flags by  our own chapter members Lisa Cunliffe, CEC, John Venturo, CEC, AAC, Mike Vasile, Jan Streeter and Roy Holman, CEC, AAC. The Pledge of Allegiance was read by Janet Marr and the culinarians code was read by Van Laughlin. Chef Don Antinore, CEC, AAC, CCE, CCA was our emcee for the evening. I presented the first award to Michael Redmond, CEC, AAC for the Chef Professionalism Award for his outstanding work with the local chapter and culinarians. Regrettably, Chef Redmond was unable to attend the dinner, so I read the acceptance letter urging Chef Don to "Give em hell!" Next was the Purveyor of the year Award that went to Clarence Houk of Spectrum Foods for his continued support to the ACF and community restaurants. Paul Healy CEC, AAC was called to the podium to present the Chairman's Cup to Rochester Chapter New York State Restaurant Association. Paula Vullo accepted the cup for the association.
Between each presentation we were delighted with a 7 course Italian inspired gourmet dinner with help from REOC students under the direction of Greg Cristo, CEC, Cobblestone CC, the Genesee Valley Club team, Frank Campione, Gerald Brinkman, Michael Speranza, CEC, David Festenstien and co workers not to be forgotten by John Eschler, CEC Chef de Cuisine of the dinner and staff from RRCC. Thank you all.
The long awaited announcement for the Chef of the Year was next. Pictures of Brad and I were projected on to a giant screen of the cook off and action shots at our clubs added a very nice touch to the program. Then each of our wives were given a long stem rose for their support for our profession for all the long hours, holidays and weekends we go through each year. Bradford Yearwood, CEC was named the Rochester ACF 2007 Chef of the Year! Congratulations!
The next general meeting will be held at Cobblestone Creek CC in Victor, NY at 6:30pm on October 29, 2007 see you there.
Chef Macri