CHEF OF THE YEAR 2023
A C F C H E F S L A S V E G A S • J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 2 3
Executive Board
President
Lucio Arancibia
INFOODSYS
Treasurer
Darren Walters
South Point Hotel & Casino
Secretary
Angela Armstrong
CSN Student
Sergeant at Arms
Chris Johns
South Point Hotel & Casino
Board of Directors
Daniel Mumau
A Catered Affair, INC.
Nathaniel Razon, MBA The Shade Tree
William Ramsey
Executive Chef
Mark Sandoval
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
JB Brown Badlands BBQ
Sarper Celenk
Vegas Food Project
James Pate Preferred Marketing Group
George Bailey
South Point Hotel & Casino
Michelle Vietmeier ProStart
PRESIDENT Lucio Arancibia
Honored Guests, Chefs, Hospitality Professionals, Associate Members, Students, Family and Friends,
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the Chef of the Year 2023. After a two year hiatus, I am humbled, honored, and grateful to be gathering here tonight to celebrate some of the best and brightest individuals in our culinary community. ACF Chefs
Las Vegas is an organization dedicated to advancing the culinary community through continued professional development of its members and acts of service to the community Each year we are honored to gather and recognize just three of the outstanding members in our organization The Chef of the Year Award pays tribute to the person who has accomplished the most to benefit the association, using his/her time and culinary expertise to enhance the image of the chef and the association
The Associate of the Year Award is given to the individual on our advisory board who has provided keen wisdom and guidance to enhance our organization and community
Finally, the Student Culinarian of the Year Award honors the student member who goes above and beyond the normal curriculum of a participating culinary school, participating in numerous extra-curricular activities that advance their skills and community involvement
The individuals selected tonight have all made a tremendous impact on our organization, and we are excited to highlight their accomplishments with you tonight
ENJOY The Evening!
Welcome!
CHAIRMAN Lydia Brown
A Note From The Advisory Board
Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees. We are especially excited to celebrate one of our own board members, John Rees III, who is being recognized as the Associate of the Year for his dedication to furthering our mission.
The mission of the Associate Advisory Board is to support the ACF Chefs Las Vegas chapter, the Chefs for Kids organization, and to continue to be a voice for the associate membership of the ACF. We attend bi-monthly ACF meetings, support the Chefs for Kids breakfasts at local elementary schools; as well as fundraisers, and other events in our community. As we all know, this
has been an unprecedented year for growth in the Las Vegas hospitality industry, and the excitement continues to build – with new resorts, new restaurants, and sports and entertainment venues throughout the city. What an awesome time to grow our chapter, support our local chefs, and work together to bring more value to our members.
Our advisory board is made up of volunteers – industry professionals who willingly donate their time and energy to give back to the community. I’d like to personally thank everyone on this advisory board for getting involved, and for giving the precious gift of your time. Also, a special thank you to the companies that employ our members. Without their support, we would not be able to do what we do.
It is a privilege, and an honor to serve as chair of this advisory board, as we continue to seek new avenues of growth and opportunity in support of our chefs, and our hospitality community. If you are interested in becoming a part of that growth, I encourage you to contact the Advisory Board and let’s get the conversation started! Feel free to contact me at info@acfchefslasvegas.org or
lbrown@rich.com.
03
Wine Cheese & education & mixer Wednesday September 13, 2023 Save the Date Presented by
Passing Torchthe
Greetings Fellow Culinarians, Families and Friends,
Serving as Chef of the Year has been a humbling opportunity that I am honored to have experienced. Like so many awardees before me, we are tasked with upholding a name that has been in circulation for more than 50 years As Chef of the Year you have to be the face of the organization. You have to give back. And you have to give your all in contributing to the betterment of the ACF Chefs Las Vegas Chapter.
Mark Sandoval is an exemplary honoree who already embodies the spirit of the Chef of the Year He is already making great strides in shaping the future of our culinary community and never hesitates to raise a hand to help where needed I am proud to pass the torch to him this year. Welcome to the club Mark.
- James Pate 2020 Chef of the Year
A Look Back Chef of the Year
We greatly miss those who have passed. *
Chef of The Year Must...
1993 Brenda Hitchins
1994 Joe Del Rosario*
1995 Lucio Arancibia 1996 Ken Wicker
Do you have what it takes?
of
community!
new
90
$235
Be a member in good standing of this chapter Show a high level of culinary skill Project high moral standards
active in the association’s events throughout the year Actively mentor future culinarians
Henri Petitjean *
Harry Ramacciotti * 1972 Don Anderson *
Maurice Galle *
Maurice Cau *
Pierre Vireday
Benjamin Mcgeary *
Paul Lenard CEC, AAC *
Andrew Hawley CEC, AAC * 1979 Rudy Thoma CEC, AAC* 1980 Vince Giacalone CEC, AAC * 1981 Michele Gorbon 1982 Frank Insera CEC. AAC 1983 Hans Lackinger 1984 Larry Chumley CEC, AAC 1985 Edward Kane CEC, CCE, AAC * 1986 Michael Ty CEC, AAC* 1987 Christopher Johns CEC 1997 Tom Rosenberger CEC 1998 Jean Herzman
Bobby O’Brien
Terry Henderson*
Richard Cino
John Hui CEPC* 2003 Eric Rustsky
Heinz Lauer 2005 Dennis Lambertz CEC
CEC, CCE,
Join or renew your membership today to start your journey to becoming a Chef of the Year. You could join the long list
prestigious chefs who have made a difference in the culinary
Right now
members receive the first
days free, membership is
a year.
Be
1970
1971
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1999
2000
2001
2002
2004
1988 TE Williams
AAC*
CEC
CEC
1989 Claude Lambertz 1990 Van Atkins
1991 John Perkins * 1992 Werner Zefferer
2006 Dale Shigenaga 2007 Kitty Sanderson 2008 Rick Baumes 2009 John Metcalfe 2010 Steve Soltz 2011 Jeffrey Martell 2012 Patrick Simon 2013 Adrian Hill 2014 George Bailey
Dave Simmons
Gustav Mauler CMC 2017 Jamie Poltrock
Johnny Torres
Michael Whitesides
James Pate Welcome Chef Sandoval
2015
2016
2018
2019
2020
Mark Sandoval credits his father with getting him into cooking at an early age when he would help prepare the family meals. After studying at the California Culinary Academy and earning his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, he obtained his first restaurant position at Moose’s, a North Beach local hot spot. Then Vegas called.
Sandoval moved in 2006 to work for his idol Joel Robuchon on the opening team of The Mansion at MGM Grand. He moved on to work with another celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, as Executive Chef at The Venetian and then M Resort’s Jayde Fuzion, Marinelli’s, and Anthony’s Gourmet Burgers & Brews.
After 20 years in the industry as a chef, Sandoval felt he had met his culinary goals, and set his sights on training and mentoring the next generation of culinary professionals. He started his teaching career in 2012 as an
MARK SANDOVAL 2023 CHEF YEAR
OF THE
adjunct professor at University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Harrah College of Hospitality. It was here he found his passion for teaching, and in 2016 he made the school his permanent home, now serving as Executive Chef.
Throughout his career Sandoval has been an active part of the community. He has been a member of ACF Chefs of Las Vegas for many years, and is a current board member. He serves as Vice President for Chefs for Kids, and is also a board member of the Nevada Restaurant Association.
According to Sandoval, being a chef is 10% creativity and 90% running a business. That logic can also be applied to running a nonprofit membership group or organization. Using his culinary background in the kitchen and classroom, Sandoval is excited to bring a new perspective to ACF Chefs Las Vegas.
John Rees lll
Associate of the Year
John Rees is dedicated to his industry and it shows with back-to-back Associate of the Year awards.
He is currently serving in his 7th year as a sales representative at Brady Industries. With more than 40 years of experience in the food service industry, John has been entrusted throughout his career to take care of some of Las Vegas and Laughlin’s largest customers like South Point, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment and Riverside Resort & Casino.
When not at work, he prides himself in his service to the community and advancing the culinary industry as a whole He is a long-time, active member of ACF Chefs of Las Vegas, and former Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Las Vegas chapter. Additionally, he regularly volunteers with the organization’s non-profit, Chefs for Kids, as a driver of the CHEFMobile , ensuring food gets delivered to the schools for the Cookin’ Up Breakfast program.
John is blessed to have four wonderful children, two granddaughters and a grandson. In his free time he enjoys camping and fishing with family and friends.
A Look Back Associate of the Year
1984 Alex Gambino 1984 Ray Foucher * 1984 Hal Hamblin * 1985 Bob Best 1985 Bob Frusco 1985 Harry Van Camp * 1986 Mike Scarpelli 1986 Alan “Chico” Zobrist 1986 Bob Copper 1986 Dave Coon 1987 Max Daffner* 1987 Alex Gambino* 1987 William & Nora Miller * 1988 Sam Allen 1988 William “Kody” Kotoff* 1988 Ray Whitney 1988 Trig Hanson 1989 Steve Neilson * 1989 Gene Krause 1990 Mark Goldstein* 1991 Dave Coon 1992 Neil Levine 1993 Tom Albanese III 1994 Buzz Thurber III 1995 Bob Borg 1996 Dominic Caldara 1997 Bob Henderson 1998 Buzz Thurber III 1999 Heidi Praml 2000 Steve Garnett 2001 Jim Moody 2002 Lee Weiss 2003 John Connolly 2004 Art Vegar 2005 Lorri Davidson 2006 Lance Cranford 2007 Adam Gail 2008 Greg Schnekel 2009 Rick Albrecht 2010 Patrick Simon 2011 John A. Rees III 2012 Chris Yankowski 2013 Sarah Scott 2014 Lance Cranford 2015 Sandi Boyer 2016 Lorri Davidson 2017 Lydia Brown 2018 Lee Weiss 2019 Rick Albrecht 2020 John A. Rees III We greatly miss those who have passed. * Associate of The Year Must... Be an associate member in good standing of this chapter Do you have what it takes? Join or renew your membership today to start your journey to becoming an Associate of the Year. Network with fellow associates and chefs. Making a difference in the culinary community with our charity work and educational opportunities benefitting our future industry workers! Membership is $262 a year. Put in great effort to support the Associate Advisory Board activities throughout the year Project high moral standards Be active in the association’s events throughout the year Dedicate their time to advancing the associations mission
Kelly Fuller
Student Culinarian of the Year
Kelly Fuller started her career working for more than a decade in the construction project management industry, but it is the culinary world that ultimately holds her heart. In 2019 she left her former industry and enrolled at CSN to pursue her ultimate goal of becoming a chef and opening a bed and breakfast.
Kelly’s passion for the culinary arts has been apparent in her academic excellence resulting in being awarded a scholarship for CSN’s Outstanding Student of the Year for Hospitality, as well as her selection as 1 of 10 students to be given the opportunity to study global cuisine abroad in Peru. Kelly currently holds her Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts, graduating with high honors, and continues to work towards her Bachelor’s Degree. Kelly goes above and beyond her commitment to mastering her culinary skills, she is also an
active part of the community. While a student at CSN, she served as the secretary of the culinary club, and volunteered countless hours of her time with Chefs for Kids, school events, and other local charities. She did all of this while also developing her culinary career working as a private chef for a local law firm as well as an individual with special dietary needs.
Kelly looks forward to continuing her culinary adventure alongside her other passion, being a full-time mom and wife.
Student Culinarian of The Year Must...
Be a student member in good standing of this chapter
Exceed the normal curriculum of a participating culinary school
Possess a high degree of of professionalism, culinary skills and passion for the culinary arts
Participate in extra curricular activities, including chapter events throughout the year
Do you have what it takes?
Join or renew your membership today to start your journey to becoming a Student Culinarian of of the Year. You could join the long list of outstanding students dedicated to advancing in the culinary community! New members receive the first 90 days free, membership is $102 a year.
A Look Back Student of the Year
2011 Edward Reyes
2012 Arlene Michelle Basinski
2013 Xelyna Rodriguez
2014 Jessica Iannotti
2015 Angela Armstrong
2017 Anne Myers
2019 Walter Haywood
2020 Karen Williams-Aguirre
2011 Sandra Munk
Patrick Fegan 1993 Tom Messina 1994 Robert Kilburn 1995 Dale Shigenaga 1997 John Geisinger 1998 Steve Santor 1999 Mark Jaramillo 2000 Mary Blackburn 2001 Tina Redus
Lazaro
1992
2003 Lilian
2004 Christine Zarandin 2005 Wendy Cohen 2006 Michael Sandoval 2007 Sang Schneck
La
2008 Rose De
Rosa
2009 Rachelle Catmull
2010 Renee Eder
NUTRITION EDUCATION
Monthlyin-classhealthyeatinginstructionto1,019TitleIelementarystudents
HOLIDAY HELPINGS
Groceriesandnutritionhandoutsfor390familiesinneed
COOKIN' UP BREAKFAST
Freebreakfastfor13schools,7,907studentsandfacultyfed
MICHAEL TY CULINARYAWARD
DebutinginFALL2023,scholarshipsforfutureculinarians
ThankYO p y g asVegas
A Look Back Hall of Fame
Don Anderson *
Lucio Arancibia
Maurice Cau *
Richard Cino
Larry Chumley
Jean Clary*
Henry Cohen*
Jackie Fields *
Vince Giacalone *
Andy Hawley *
Jean Hertzman
Brenda Hitchins
Frank Insera
Christopher Johns (2)
Edward (Ed) Kane *
Hans Lackinger
Claude Lambertz
Roger Lams*
Paul Lenard *
Ben Mcgeary *
John Metcalf
Gilbert Pierrel*
Harry Ramacciotti*
Dale Shigenaga
Tom Rosenberger
Rudy Thoma *
Michael Ty *
Pierre Vireday
Michael Whitesides
Werner Zefferer
We greatly miss those who have passed *
Las Vegas
National
History History
ACF Chefs of Las Vegas has been demonstrating community and education since 1968. Since then, the chapter has grown immensely, earning a lot of local, regional, and national recognition along the way. Please enjoy some highlights from throughout the years.
1968 - The chapter forms
1976 - Joined the American Culinary Federation
1979/80- Named ACF National Chapter of the Year
1991 - Chefs for Kids founded
1993 - Home chapter of the ACF National President Michael Ty 1993-1994 (Also: 2009-2013)
1996 - Michael Ty receives the AAC Chairman’s Medal
1997 - National Chef of the Year, Michael Ty, CEC, AAC
2004 - Team Las Vegas wins nine Silver and two Bronze Medals at the Culinary Olympics in Germany
2011 - Michael Ty and Christopher Johns attend The World Chefs Tour Against Hunger in Johannesburg, South Africa
2013 - Jill Mora, receives the first-ever American Culinary Federation, Culinary Hero Award
2018 - 50 Year Anniversary
Western Regional Recognitions
ACF San Francisco Chapter established the Antonin Carême Medal in 1969. The award honors individuals, chefs, and gastronomes who have made valuable contributions to the culinary profession, particularly in education and the advancement of gastronomy.
1999 Michael Ty --- 2003 John Hui --- 2009 Van Atkins
Founded nationwide in 1929, The American Culinary Federation, Inc. is a professional organization for chefs and cooks. Our goal is to promote the professional image of American chefs worldwide through education of culinarians at all levels.
In 1976, ACF forever changed the culinary industry by elevating the position of the executive chef from service status to the professional category in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Dictionary of Official Titles. Since this change, the culinary industry and our organization have grown tremendously.
ACF is now the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America. We are made up of more than 14,000 members belonging to more than 170 chapters in four regions across the U.S.
Today, ACF is the leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship, competitions and programmatic accreditation designed to enhance professional growth for all current and future chefs and pastry chefs.
1991 - Chef Professionalism & Chef of the Year awards
Michael Ty
1994 - Chef Professionalism Award
Werner Zefferer
2002 - Chef Professionalism Award
John Hui
2003 - Pastry Chef of the Year
John Hui
2005 - Pastry Chef of the Year
Brenda Hitchins
2006 - Regional Chair’s Award
John Hui
Vegas Chapter National Convention Host 1989 ~ 2001 ~ 2002 ~ 2008 ~ 2013 ~ 2022
Western Regional Conference 1999
Las
ACF
Student Competitions
Lifting up our future workforce, our student culinarians, is an honor Here is a history of winning years, along with some fantastic educator awards
1998 - Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Gold Medal National Champions
2001 - National Knowledge Bowl
CSN Junior Team Champions
2005 - Western Region Jr Team Culinary Competition
CSN, Silver Medal
2003 - ACF Nevada State Champion
Junior Hot Food Team, CSN, Gold Medal
2003 - Western Region Junior Culinary Competition
CSN, Silver Medal
2006 - Western Regional & National Educator of the Year
Raimund Hofmeister
2007 - ACF Nevada State Champions
CSN Student Hot Food Team – Silver Medal
2007 - Western Regional Culinary Competition
CSN Hot Team, Silver Medals and placed third
2009 - Western Region Chef Educator of the Year
Heinz Lauer
2009 - Western Regional Culinary Competition
CSN Hot Team, Silver Medals and placed third
2013 - Western Regional Culinary Competition
CSN State Knowledge Bowl Team, Silver Medal
2014 - Western Regional Competition
Le Cordon Bleu Junior Hot Food Team, Silver Medal
2014 - Western Region Educator of the Year
Cheryl Lewis
2015 - Western Regional "Culinary Salon Recognition Award”
Jill Mora and CSN
Presidential Medallion
It's the highest honor to be chosen by the ACF National President for your dedication and outstanding representation of the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.
1989 - President, Jack Braun
Michael Ty & Claude Lambertz
1990 - President, Jack Braun
Van Atkins
1995 - President, John Folse
Michael Ty
2000 - President, Noel Cullen
Michael Ty & Christopher Johns
2006 - President, John Kinsella
Claude Lambertz
2007 - President, John Kinsella
Bob O’Brien
2009 - President, John Kinsella
Levy Acosta, Christopher Johns & Jill Mora
2010 - President, Michael Ty
John Metcalf, Frank Insera & John Hui
2011 - President, Michael Ty
Dennis Lambertz
2013 - President, Michael Ty
Mike Whitesides
The Cutting Edge Award recognizes innovators who give their time to help nurture and mentor culinarians on behalf of ACF and the industry
2010 Chefs for Kids
2014 Chef Tom Rosenberger
Presidents Award
This award represents excellence in culinary service, community engagement, building the chapter, collaboration with other ACF chapters and partnerships, along with a passion for the culinary arts, and leadership.
1987 - President Larry Chumley
Michael Ty, Caesars Palace
1991 - President Michael Ty
Tom Rosenberger, College Of Southern Nevada
1999 - President Christopher Johns
Dominic Caldara, Get Fresh
2001 - President Christopher Johns
Bob Borg, Anderson Dairy
2002 - President Bob O'Brien
Jim Moody, Bakemark
2003 - President Bob O'Brien
Heidi Praml, Praml International
2006 - President John Hui
Vicki Muratore, Las Vegas Gourmet
2008 - President Kitty Sanderson
Jean Hertzman, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
2009 - President Kitty Sanderson
Allen Asch
2010 - President Rick Baumes
Gary Brant, Le Cordon Bleu
Juan Carlos, The Ice Studio
2011 - President Rick Baumes
Sue Lednicky, University Of Nevada, Reno Extension
2012 - President Tom Rosenberger
Associate Advisory Board, ACF Chefs Las Vegas
Christopher Johns, South Point Hotel & Casino
2013 - President Tom Rosenberger
Mike Whitesides, Affairs To Remember
Steve Soltz, College Of Southern Nevada
2014 - President Philip Pinkney
Lorri Davidson, Southwest Gas Corporation
2015 - President Philip Pinkney
Claude Lambertz
2016 -President Philip Pinkney
South Point Hotel & Casino
2017 - President Philip Pinkney
George Bailey, South Point Hotel & Casino
2018 - President Jamie Poltrock
Frank Insera, ACF Chefs Las Vegas
2019 - President Jamie Poltrock
Joseph Del Toro, ACF Chefs Las Vegas
2020 - President Justin Franco
Brandy Niemeyer, Affinity Sales & Patrick Simon, Welbilt
2023 Winners
Congratulations
President Lucio Arancibia welcomes you to the club. Raul Villa Opportunity Village Angela Armstrong
ACF Chefs Las Vegas Secretary
FOREVER
Charles Adler
Don Anderson
Gary Brant
Maurice Cau
Jean Clary
Henry Cohen
John “JJ’ Cronin
Max Daffier
Jerry Deveans
William Eyler
Jack Feldman
Jackie Fields
Ray Foucher
Maurice Galle
Vince Giacalone
Joe Giancaspro
Ernest “Ernie” Gitman
Hal Hamblin
Nat Hart
Andrew Hawley
Gene Heiser
John Hui
Edward “Ed” Kane
Rancher Kody
I N O U R H E A R T S & M I N D S
Elliott Krane
Roger Lams
Paul Lenard
Robert Lerner
Terry D. Long
Michael McFadden
Ben McGeary
Horst Meyer
Frank Panich
John Perkins
Henri Petitjean
Harry Ramacciotti
Vladimir Reitmaier
Howard Schwartzer
Muriel Stevens
German Tatzel
Rudy Thoma
Michael Ty
Joe Walem
T.E. Williams
IN MEMORIAM
@acfchefsvegas @acfchefsvegas ACF Chefs Las Vegas acfchefslasvegas.org
