www.acfwindycitychefs.org
Greetings, Windy City Members and Friends!
Well, May is here, and flowers ARE blooming, so I’m guessing it’s Spring. For me, as well as so many of our colleagues, May means Graduation, Mother’s Day, and the NRA Show---all great celebrations. Upcoming are the busy Mother’s Day Brunches, and all the great opportunities for continuing education and networking that the NRA Show brings. Make sure to watch your e-mails, so efficiently distributed by Chef Zajac, for all the great seminars and receptions which our members might attend. These are great chances to meet new contacts through which to enrich your ACF circle of professional connections!
As I look over the past month and ahead through to June, I see many culinary competitions taking place, and I’m excited! The Pastry Chicago Cake Decorating event at Esperanza Community on April 18th was spectacular, and offered this chef a great insight into what the creative student can accomplish when challenged (Results and pictures can be seen online from correspondence on our website, and sent by Chef Zajac—what a guy!). I also got to meet wonderful new people interested in our chapter and what we do, as well as see old friends from my culinary history who have really advanced their careers through service!
Upcoming on Monday, May 4th, we’ll see over 30 competitors in Cheesecake, and how great it is to be showing their talents to Eli’s, probably the most recognized name in cheesecake in the country! What an opportunity for these creative future chefs! Our thanks to the French Pastry School and Eli’s for this great event they’ve planned for our chapter, as well as the seminar on Vanilla by Nielsen-Massey that we’ll enjoy.
And, speaking of Monday’s meeting, space is limited at Eli’s, and we’ve blasted you all with many e-mails reminding you to RSVP. Just as we take reservations in the restaurant for Mother's Day or any other event, there is staffing, etc. that goes into to the planning process. It's not only the F&B but the space, tables, chairs, etc...We have made the reservation system so easy to do online, there should be no excuses.
YOU NEED TO RSVP, and make this part of your professional behavior! It’s practical, it’s considerate, and it’s common sense! We need to offer our hosts the opportunity to present their venues and hospitality services (including personnel and refreshments!) in their best light, or we have only embarrassed ourselves and them.
Let’s all remember when we receive that monthly meeting invitation to let us know that you are coming---and by the Friday before the meeting! It’s what we all seek in our own professional situations, and common courtesy to practice right back atcha!
Okay, I’m done with my “lecturing” mode—I still think I’m speaking to students! I want to thank everyone who’s stepped up in response to the flyer for volunteers for the Food Arts BBQ. Never have we had such a great turnout, and I can only say how proud I am of our members to show such generosity. It’s a GREAT event; I’ve been involved for more than 8 years. The more volunteers, the less work per person; the more people you get to meet, as well as more food you get to eat! The guests are from everywhere and from every aspect of foodservice and hospitality, and the food is AMAZING!!! That’s YOUR reward—the overall payoff is the benefit to Share our Strength, and that alone should make you feel so good. And, bring business cards—it’s the most fun to see how many contacts you’ll make!
The Windy City Annual BBQ is just around the corner as well. We have a great time planned, including the Culinary School’s Burger Throwdown! What fun we will have cheering on our favorite students and their fabulous creations, and what a great time we’ll have eating!! Sharing food and fun with our members and colleagues is a lot of what Windy City is all about, so don’t forget to RSVP and plan to attend this spectacular event on June 15th. If you want to bring something to put out for the eating, we welcome any kinds of “picnic food”--salads, beverages or desserts! There will be a raffle as well as the contest and prizes, so come on out for a night of entertainment and competitive fun!
There is so much more going on and so much more to talk about, but let’s try to remember our ACF National Elections are here! Ballots have been sent from the National office today, so be on the lookout for yours at whatever mailing address you have listed—work or home. Please take the time to read the e-mails from candidates—in the last 3 days, I have received something from all Presidential candidates, and one each from Secretary and Treasurer hopefuls. Read what they have to say to you, and consider what is most important to you. Your decision should be made based on facts, experience, common sense—not which one is your best pal. Chapters are the foundation of ACF, and some candidates have mentioned support of chapter input and suggestions, and isn’t that what we need—officers who support what we, the members, want! Remember that serving our members is an honor and a privilege, and we should seek someone who has served on the chapter, regional and national levels for their comprehension and dedication to members. Finally, take the time to choose the right candidate to address your interests, and the right candidate to see us through these challenging times—the right leader for ACF right now. I know your vote will help to make a difference!
Sincerely honored to be your President,
Linda Rosner, CEC, CHE
ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians