AMERICAN CULINARY FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Media Contact: August 11, 2016 Stacy Gammill: (904) 484-0213,
[email protected] Cher Harris, CEPC, of The Hotel Hershey, Named 2016 Pastry Chef of the Year at the American Culinary Federation National Convention St. Augustine, Fla., August 11, 2016—The best pastry chef in the nation, according to the American Culinary Federation (ACF), is Cher Harris, CEPC, executive pastry chef at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Harris received the title of ACF Pastry Chef of the Year and $5,000 after winning a national competition during Cook. Craft. Create. Convention & Show in Phoenix, July 15-19. The ACF Pastry Chef of the Year award, sponsored by Plugrá® European-Style Butter, was established in 2004 and recognizes a pastry chef who displays a passion for the craft, has an accomplished reputation in the pastry field and has helped educate others by sharing skills and knowledge. Four finalists from ACF regions competed at the national convention after first being nominated by colleagues and then winning their respective regional competitions. “There was such great competition, it was totally unexpected,” said Harris. “I thought everyone presented really well. It means so much personally because I have looked up to those who have won the national Pastry Chef of the Year competition before me. I’m very proud to represent the Northeast region.” Pastry chefs had 2 hours, 30 minutes, to prep and serve three items representing the designated theme Southwest Native American: a cold plated dessert featuring honey, pine nuts and prickly pear; a signature cookie and showpiece that was at least 2 feet tall, composed 75% of either chocolate or sugar work.