Chefs Head To Hershey For The Acf Northeast Regional Conference

The American Culinary Federation (ACF), Inc., is coming to Hershey, Pa., for its Northeast Regional Conference, held at the Hershey Lodge, March 13-15. Hosted by ACF Harrisburg Chapter, the conference brings together foodservice professionals and chefs from across the Northeast for a culinary weekend of networking and educational opportunities, a trade show, cooking competitions and demonstrations from the region's finest chefs. Cooking competitions take place off-site at The Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts, Lancaster, Pa.

Former White House executive chef Walter Scheib will share stories of what it was like serving two presidents and first families from 1994 to 2005 during his keynote address at General Session, March 14. In addition, here is a look at each day's events:

Saturday, March 13:
--Global Flavors and Your Menu, sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions: 8-9:30 a.m. Experience dishes from Brazil and Peru in this culinary demonstration.
--ACF Northeast Region Chef of the Year competition, sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions: 8-9:40 a.m. Two chefs from New Jersey and New York compete for the regional title.
--Verrine Desserts Hands-On Workshop, sponsored by Barry Callebaut: 8 a.m.-noon.
--Artisan Baking Hands-On Workshop, sponsored by Desserts International, LLC: 8 a.m.-noon.
--Northeast Region Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl, sponsored by American Technical Publishers: 8 a.m.-noon. Ten student teams answer challenging cooking questions in this "Jeopardy"-style competition.
--ACF Northeast Region Student Team Championship, sponsored by R.L. Schreiber, Inc.: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Student teams vie for the chance to represent the region at ACF's national convention in Anaheim, Calif., in August during the cold-platter portion of the competition.
--ACF Northeast Region Student Chef of the Year competition, sponsored by Custom Culinary, Inc.: 8:45-10:30 a.m. Three culinary students compete for the regional title.
--ACF Northeast Region Pastry Chef of the Year competition, sponsored by Splenda�: 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Two pastry chefs put the icing on the cake as they vie for the regional title.
--Trade Show: noon-4 p.m. Attendees network and view the latest culinary products. The One-Pot Win a Lot and Make it Mini Dessert Trio competitions will happen live. Winners will receive cash prizes and the chance to compete at the national competition.

Sunday, March 14:
--ACF Northeast Region Student Team Championship: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Student teams compete in the skills and hot-food portions of the competition.
--Deconstructing the Classics, sponsored by Heinz North America: 8-9:30 a.m.
--Discovering the Regional Cuisine of Italy: A Pasta Tour, sponsored by Barilla America, Inc.: 10-11:30 a.m.
--General Session: 1:15-4:45 p.m. Walter Scheib shares what it was like to run the White House kitchen for more than a decade, then greets guests at a 30-minute book signing following the session.
--Cheese and Wine Tasting: Flights of Small Plates, sponsored by Cabot Creamery Cooperative, with Kendall Jackson Wines and New England Culinary Institute: 5-6:30 p.m.

Monday, March 15:
--Artisan Chocolates, sponsored by Barry Callebaut: 8-9:30 a.m.
--Student Demo: Latin American Cuisine: 10-11:30 a.m. Attendees will discover Latin American Cuisine, from Brazil and Argentina to Peru and Colombia.
--Save Energy & Water to Reap Cold Hard Cash, presented in partnership with Kendall College: 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
--Thrill Your Guests with Precision Flamb� Action Cooking, sponsored by The Sterno Group: 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
--Gluten- and Sugar-Free Petite Desserts, sponsored by Desserts International, LLC: 1:15-2:45 p.m.
--Wild Fish and Game, sponsored by Custom Culinary, Inc.: 1:15-2:45 p.m.
--Umami: The Link Between Beef