Dining Wins ACF Silver Medal
A University of Richmond Dining Services team earned silver medals at the American Culinary Federation’s collegiate competition on June 16, 2023 during the 29th annual Chef Culinary Conference at University of Massachusetts Amherst.
A University of Richmond (UR) Dining Services team earned silver medals at the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) collegiate competition on June 16, 2023 during the 29th annual Chef Culinary Conference at University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Chef de Cuisine Andy Kerscher, Café Manager Rachel Singer, Line Cook Robyn Smith, and Lead Cook Dylan Moore competed against 12 other collegiate culinary teams from across the United States.
Each team received a mystery basket of ingredients which they used to prepare a four-course meal, including a buffet-style item, for a panel of judges and competing teams. UR had two hours to prepare and serve the first three courses and one hour for the buffet item.
UR’s winning menu creations started with a Power Greens Salad appetizer with pan-fried softshell crab, featuring local tomatoes, cilantro crema, and lemon vinaigrette. For the entrée the team made an Orange Ginger Glazed Ocean Perch served with red rice pilaf and stir-fried vegetables. Their dessert was a Shortbread Cookie with Caramelized Peaches topped with candied peanuts, malted white chocolate drizzle, and vanilla bean whipped cream. For the required buffet item, the team prepared a Pan-seared Dijon Sage Pork Tenderloin atop stewed cranberry beans and candied dragon carrots.
“We planned our execution throughout the week, incorporating new skills and ideas we learned at the conference,” Kerscher said. “The ACF competition was a thrilling experience for our team and everyone did a fantastic job in their roles.”
The Chef Culinary Conference is regarded as the premiere gathering for food service professionals to learn about the latest scientific findings in nutrition, flavor trends, culinary education and technological know-how.