Three years ago I came into the American Culinary Federation Las Vegas Junior Chapter very shy and reserved. Through the monthly meetings, volunteer efforts and competitions I met wonderful people. These wonderful people involved with the ACF Las Vegas Chapter have become my mentors, inspirations and friends. These people helped me and our chapter to grow.

The first bit of growth was to our name. Our National Chapter recognized just how big the culinary world is and added the Culinary Enthusiast membership. Also the “Junior” membership was spilt so as to recognize high school culinarians while “Student” is used to for post secondary programs. It was nod to students as we come of all ages and are by no means junior.

Las Vegas was honored to host the ACF National Convention this past July. Our previous past President Sang Schneck was the force behind organizing the volunteer effort for the four day event. Gathering over 125 students from all four of the culinary schools in the Las Vegas area made for a nicely run event and showed how strong our chapter was working together.

September began with 2008 ACFLV Student Culinarian of the Year Rachelle Catmull and I teaming up as the Leadership Team. We had various students come along to lend their expertise throughout the year. Together we were able to bring back outings and seminars that were abundant when the student chapter first started back in 2006. We received much warmth from our parent chapter and the Las Vegas
culinary family in this regard.

Student Chapter meetings welcomed the following people who have made a great impact on our lives and future.:

• Marshall Zeigler, College of Southern Nevada and University of Nevada, Las Vegas alumni and owner of TASTE Specialty Foods in Las Vegas
• Pastry Chef Jane Gibson of Salty’s Seafood Grill restaurant & Callebaut Chocolate in Seattle, WA
• Chef Mellisa K. Root, ACF Culinary National Team USA member & Culinary Olympic Gold Medalist
• La Fond Food Brokers
• Sara Hill, Culinary Director of Cheese Education for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
• Chef Kitti Sanderson, Chef and Culinary Specialist for U.S. Foodservice, Las Vegas
• Mike Fryer, Managing Editor of Food and Beverage News of Las Vegas
• Buzz Thurber, regional sales manager for Custom Culinary
• J. Michael Stamm owner of Michael’s Gourmet Pantry in Las Vegas

We also had some great outings and tours through out the year. Owner Paymon Raouf of Paymon’s Mediterranean Café and Hookah Lounge gave us a history of Mediterranean cuisine. Executive Pastry Chef Olivier Carlos of The Flamingo Hotel and Casino took us through the massive kitchens and property. Cupcake Lane Bakery owner Laura Qualls showed us what makes her business a success.

During the ACF Western Region Conference in April, CSN carried on the fine tradition of representing Nevada in the Student Hot Food Team Competition just as they have for the past 17 years. Telbert Joaquino, Michael Gabriel, Weng Ka Wu, Tony Tsai, Ron Manuson, Nayeli Espinoza, Juan Gamboa and I made up this year’s team. The competition lasted a grueling two days. We weathered the storm of the skills
relay where four members drew from a hat various skills they would need to perform in 80 minutes. Next we created a four course signature menu for four in 90 minutes. The last obstacle was the cold food platter for eight that was a true test of team work. We were honored to place 3rd and took home silver medals.

Another great tradition born from former ACFLV Student Culinarians and Hot Food Team members is the Las Vegas Culinary Challenge held every year during the International Hotel and Restaurant Show. Students and Chefs come from all over to compete in the ACF sanctioned competition. One competitor came all the way from Australia this year. CSN Pastry Student Vicky Samuels competed in three hour cake decorating and was rewarded with a certificate her first time out. Along with the competition, us student got to come out and apprentice for the competitors and learn a lot.

A big supporter of the Student Chapter was Mike Fryer. He has continually kept us abreast of everything culinary in Las Vegas from food shows to conventions in which student could attend at a low cost of even free. Others I would like to recognize are for all their support in the growth of the Student Chapter and the Student Hot Food Team are Chef Jean Hertzman, Chef Jin Caldwell, Chef Patrick Simon, Chef Christopher Johns, Chef Van Atkins, Chef Michael Ty, Chef Rick Baumes, Chef Jill Mora, Chef John Metcalfe, Chef Levy Acosta Jr, Chef Patrick Knowles and Chef Steve Soltz. I would also like to recognize the Advisory Board for all their efforts in the fundraisers that keep our chapter alive. Also all the volunteers who continue to come out and help serve breakfast at the elementary schools every month for Chefs for Kids, your help is much appreciated.

ACF Chefs of Las Vegas Student Culinarians, it was a pleasure serving you.
Samantha Lew
ACFLV Student Leadership Team 08-09
CSN Student Hot Food Team Captain 09
CSN Culinary Club Vice President 09-09

Las Vegas Chefs Student Chapter acflvstudents@cox.net