National Culinary Review - November/December 2010

ACF CULINARY TEAM USA
Team USA Counts Down to First International Competition

Since forming the team in April, members have had eight practice sessions, working closely with team manager Steve Jilleba, CMC, CCE, AAC, team coaches and advisors to perfect their culinary skills. They have researched and experimented with different cooking methods to determine the menu and dishes that best represent American cuisine and the technical finesse to win in international competition. After each group practice session, team members continued to improve their skills and dishes with hours of individual work.

“The members have put all their energy,
passion and focus into the team for
the past few months,” says Jilleba.
“We would especially like to thank our
families, employers and sponsors for their
continued support. They have made it
possible for dreams to come true.”
Following its practice session Sept. 20, the
team was invited to prepare a presidential
dinner hosted by Dr. John Bowen, university
president, Johnson & Wales University,
Providence, R.I. Guests, including chefs/
owners, industry leaders and community
members, had a first taste of the hot-food
menu that will be prepared during the
competition in Luxembourg.

“As a sponsor of the American Culinary Federation’s Culinary National Team USA, it was our pleasure to invite community representatives and university constituents to highlight and showcase the talent, dedication and spirit of the national culinary team,” says Karl Guggenmos, AAC, university dean of culinary education at Johnson & Wales University. “We are honored to serve as a sponsor of team practices as they realize their dream and embark on their journey to the 2012 ‘culinary Olympics’ in Germany.” ACF Culinary Team USA is scheduled to display its cold-food menu Sunday, Nov. 21,

Steve Jilleba, CMC, CCE, AAC, team manager, right, introduces ACF Culinary National team USA at the Sept. 20 dinner at Johnson & Wales University, left to right: James “Kevin” Storm, CEC, CCA, AAC; Mark Morgan; Anthony “Ben” Grupe; Eddie Tancredi: Timothy Bucci, CEC, CCE, CHE; and Joseph Leonardi, CEC. Not pictured: Timothy Prefontaine, CEC.