Joseph Leonardi, CEC, Named U.S.A.'S
AMERICAN CULINARY FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2009 Joseph Leonardi, CEC, Named U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year™ at 2009 ACF National Convention in Orlando, Fla. St. Augustine, Fla., July 16, 2009—Joseph Leonardi, certified executive chef (CEC), of West Greenwich, R.I., received the American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF) 2009 U.S.A.'s Chef of the Year™ Award, sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions, at the 2009 ACF National Convention held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Fla., July 11-14. Taking the stage at the President’s Grand Ball, July 14, after he was announced as the national winner, Leonardi first thanked the three other competitors for “keeping me on my toes,” and recognized their talent. He also thanked the chefs who helped him train and practice, his apprentice at the competition and his wife. The audience gave Leonardi a standing ovation as he left the stage with the prestigious award. The U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year™ Award recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person demonstrates the highest standard of culinary skills, advances the cuisine of America and gives back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices. Finalists were nominated by colleagues for their high standards, outstanding culinary skills and a reputation for cooking American regional cuisine. Then, they competed and won at ACF’s regional level. The four finalists competed for the title live on the trade-show floor, July 13. They had two hours to prepare and cook a three-course signature meal and 15 minutes to serve 12 portions.
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