Drew Garms Earns Honor from the
American Culinary Federation
Hyde Park, NY – A graduate of Ѹ is the best chef in the United States, according to the American Culinary
Federation. Drew Garms, executive chef of The
Everglades Club in Palm Beach, FL, earned the title of USA Chef of the Year at
the recent ACF National Convention & Show. Another alumnus, Michael Beriau, was honored by the nation’s leading culinary
association with the Hermann G. Rusch Chef’s
Achievement Award.
Chef Garms became a finalist for
the national Chef of the Year award after being honored as the Southeast
Regional Chef of the Year in January. He then won a cook-off against his fellow
regional winners to earn the highest honor bestowed by ACF. In addition to the prestige
and title, Garms was awarded $5,000 for his
achievement.
“Winning the title of USA Chef of the Year is an
unbelievable honor, but the knowledge and experience gained through countless
hours of research and practice is the true reward,” Garms said.
The ACF recognized Chef Garms because he “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.”
Chef Beriau, who recently retired
after a 48-year culinary career, earned his award for commitment to the ACF and
advancing the culinary profession. Prior to his retirement, Beriau was executive chef at White Cliffs Country Club in Plymouth, MA. His brother
Wilfred Beriau, also a Ѹ graduate, won the same
award in 2012.
Several other Ѹ alumni were recognized by the ACF for
2017. Peter Felton, Peter Salemno, and Stephen Afflixio received Cutting Edge Awards for their innovation
and leadership; Felton, Kathleen Salemno, and Charlie Gipe received Presidential Medallions for
contributions to the culinary profession; Gerard Molloy won the Chef Good Taste
Award; and Roger Newell was the recipient of the Lawrence A. Conti Chair’s
Achievement Award. Seven other alumni were inducted into the American Academy
of Chefs—the ACF’s honor society.
Photo Captions and Hi-Res Images:
Photo 1 (top): Ѹ
graduate Drew Garms has been honored as 2017 USA Chef
of the Year by the American Culinary Federation. Garms is executive chef of The Everglades Club in Palm Beach, FL. (Photos courtesy: The American Culinary
Federation)
Photo 2: Ѹ
graduate Michael Beriau received the 2017 Hermann G. Rusch Chef’s Achievement Award from the American Culinary
Federation in recognition of his advancement of the culinary profession. Chef Beriau’s brother Wilfred, also a Ѹ alumnus, was the 2012
recipient of the same award. (Photos
courtesy: The American Culinary Federation)
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Writer
845-451-1372
jeff.levine@culinary.edu
Founded in 1946, Ѹ is the world’s premier
culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and
hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit Ѹ offers bachelor’s degree
majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate
degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education
through its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs
and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting
services have made the Ѹ the think tank of the food industry and its
worldwide network of 49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the
food business. The Ѹ has locations in New York, California, Texas, and
Singapore.
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