THE HALLMARK OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE...IN ALBERTA AND AROUND THE WORLD
Alberta Culinary Arts Foundation (ACAF)
In 1983, the Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Ft. McMurray branches of the Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks (CFCC) established this non-profit foundation to foster and encourage the culinary arts through education, training and financial assistance.
Thanks to provincial government grants, successful fundraising activities such as the Evening with the Masters and industry support, ACAF is able to accomplish its aims by undertaking special projects, with attention currently focused on four endeavours.
Culinary Team Alberta
Since Culinary Team Alberta burst onto the international culinary competition scene in 1984 at the World Culinary Olympics, finishing first place overall in their category, the Team has been ‘bringing home the Gold’ and many World Championship wins. Noteworthy recognition of Team Alberta’s accomplishments came with its appointment by the CFCC to compete as Culinary Team Canada from 1997-2001. In addition to the professional chefs’ team, the Foundation also supports the Alberta student team, comprised of representatives from the Culinary Arts programs at NAIT, SAIT and Lethbridge Community College.
With world-class resumes, our chefs, individually and as a team, are regarded among the best in the world. And Alberta is known nationally and internationally for its culinary excellence. When the spotlight falls on Culinary Team Alberta, it lights up the entire province.
Alberta Culinary Challenge
Between student and professional chef is the apprentice, working and learning to fulfill his or her potential. Apprentice chefs from across the province go head to head in this annual competition sponsored by ACAF, hoping to earn the right to represent Alberta at the Knorr CFCC National Junior Culinary Competition.
Education Outreach
The visiting chef program enables Culinary Arts students at Alberta post-secondary institutions to spend several days working with and learning from a professional chef. The Foundation underwrites the travel and hosting costs to bring accomplished industry leaders in as guest chefs.