ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians, founded in Chicago in 2003, is one of the fastest-growing chapters of the American Culinary Federation based in St. Augustine, Fla. The chapter operates under the auspices of ACF’s charter, and as such espouses the organization’s goals and tenets, which it promotes locally and regionally.

Our Mission.

ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians strives to make a positive impact on the lives of chefs and cooks representing every segment of the foodservice industry, as well as students who aspire to cook professionally. In so doing, the association promotes camaraderie, learning and sharing within the local culinary community. ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians welcomes all foodservice professionals to its ranks so that every member may benefit from the knowledge and experience of his and her peers.

Our Members.

Today boasting nearly 250 members, ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians embraces a spirit of inclusion, welcoming those representing all area commercial and non-commercial foodservice outlets; foodservice training programs at career schools, community colleges, high schools and other learning centers; media outlets and marketing concerns; allied associations serving dietitians, foodservice managers, hospitality executives, etc.; and manufacturers, suppliers and vendors to foodservice. Indeed, all who wish to benefit by the literally hundreds of years of combined experience of members of ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians are welcome.

Many within ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians are certified by ACF as executive chefs, chefs de cuisine, culinary educators, pastry culinarians and more. The association also boasts as a member one of only 60 Certified Master Chefs nationwide. Additionally, several members of ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians hold dual membership in the honorary society of ACF, the American Academy of Chefs, induction into which is by invitation and qualification.

Our Impact.

In 2007, three candidates for ACF’s highest national awards – Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year and Educator of the Year – are members of ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians. The three chefs will represent the chapter and the Central Region of ACF at ACF’s 2007 National Convention at the Orlando World Center Marriott in July, at which national title winners will be determined by highest score among regional candidates in live cook-offs.

Through scholarship and personal commitment by our members and education and supplier partners, ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians is ensuring qualified personnel for Chicago’s foodservice workforce of tomorrow. An assertive and successful apprenticeship program operated by the association supports Chicago’s vibrant foodservice industry by instructing future cooks via time-honored hands-on training.

Our Home.

Members of ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians meet throughout the greater Chicago area over the course of the year, thanks to monthly educational meetings that shine the spotlight on food and issues facing culinarians. Anyone is welcome to attend any meeting, at no cost.

ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians is headquartered in the kitchens of Union League Club at 65 W. Jackson Blvd., where Michael Garbin, CEC, AAC, president of the association, is executive chef.