American Culinary Federation Chefs Visit White House For Holiday Tour

There's no better time of the year to visit the White House than the holiday season. Three American Culinary Federation (ACF) chefs discovered that firsthand this month, thanks to a special invitation from the White House.

ACF chefs were invited to visit the White House for a self-guided tour in December in appreciation of the difference ACF chefs have made through the Chefs Move to Schools program, part of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. Michael Deihl, CEC, CCA, AAC, of Atlanta; David Gurdus, CEC, of Fredericksburg, Pa.; and Michael Speranza, CEC, of Victor, N.Y., enjoyed the tour, which included the East Wing, Blue Room, Green Room, Red Room, Library, State Dining Room and Vermeil Room.

The theme for the 2011 holiday season at the White House, "Shine, Give, Share," pays tribute to the country's troops, veterans and their families. The official tour features 37 Christmas trees, a 400-pound gingerbread model of the White House and five different representations of first dog Bo Obama.

Gurdus, executive chef at PinnacleHealth System in Harrisburg, Pa., and a member of ACF Harrisburg Chapter, visited the White House Saturday, Dec. 3. Gurdus hosts regular presentations on healthy snacks and nutrition for elementary school students in his area and is planning a cooking club for 7th graders.

"The White House tour proved to be a wonderful experience, full of history and architectural beauty," said Gurdus. "Participants were able to ask White House staff questions and learn about the historical background of each room."

Speranza, corporate executive chef at Custom Culinary, Inc., Victor, and a member of ACF Professional Chefs/Cooks Association of Rochester, also visited the White House Dec. 3. Speranza was one of the nearly 60 ACF chefs who attended the Chefs Move to Schools kickoff at the White House in June 2010. He has been involved in the program since its formation and hosts cooking demonstrations in area classrooms and assists with school gardens.

"The decor at the White House was unbelievable," Speranza said. "Add to that the holiday decorations and it was just stunning. Being inside and seeing all the history within the building was an amazing experience."

Finally, Deihl, executive chef at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, and a member of ACF Greater Atlanta Chapter Inc., will visit the White House Wednesday, Dec. 21. Deihl visits Charles R. Drew Charter School monthly to teach children how to form healthy eating habits.

"Being one of only three ACF chefs in the country to visit the White House due to my commitment and involvement with the Chefs Move to School program is overwhelming," said Deihl. "However, working with these young children at Drew Charter School and teaching them about healthy food options is just as important. Seeing their faces light up when they taste fresh fruits and vegetables is more gratifying to me than any personal recognition I can receive, even as special as this one is."
About the American Culinary Federation

The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. With more than 20,000 members spanning more than 210 chapters nationwide, ACF is the culinary leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and programmatic accreditation. In addition, ACF operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States, with the Certified Executive Chef� designation the only culinary credential accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). ACF is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the United States in major international culinary competitions, and to the Chef & Child Fou