Monterey Bay Chefs

06/15/2026

Monterey Bay ACF Members Recognized with National NACUFS Award.

The Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Culinary Federation is proud to celebrate several of our members who helped earn national recognition through the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS).

UC Merced Dining's Food for Thought Series received a Bronze Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming for its event featuring acclaimed Indigenous chef and food activist Sean Sherman.
The event was truly a team effort. Monterey Bay ACF members played key roles in its success:

Anthony Pangelina served as moderator for the evening discussion.
Chef Nevin Koepernick and Chef Nicole Fleming lead in the preparation and ex*****on of the reception featuring Chef Sean Sherman's recipes.

Mitch Vanagten coordinated the event as part of the Food for Thought speaker series.

Chef Anthony Pangelina, Chef Nicole Fleming, and Chef Mitch Vanagten will travel to New Orleans this July to accept the award at the NACUFS National Conference on behalf of the UC Merced Dining team and community partners who helped make the event possible.

06/15/2026

Don't Miss Out! Register today!

04/14/2026

You're Invited to a Dine-Around at Patria on Main

The American Culinary Federation Monterey Bay Chapter invites members and guests to a special Dine-Around evening at Patria on Main on May 4th from 6:00–9:00 PM. Located in the heart of Oldtown Salinas, Patria on Main offers a vibrant and welcoming setting where seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity come together.

Date & Time
Monday, May 4th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Location
Patria on Main
228 Main Street, Salinas, Ca 93901

Menu
5 Course Meal
(See Menu Below)

Under the direction of Chef Jose Aranda Aguilera, guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated dining experience that highlights the rich agricultural bounty of Monterey County and beyond.

This exclusive evening will feature a menu inspired by the freshest local ingredients, artfully prepared to reflect the spirit of the season. From farm-fresh produce to locally sourced meats and seafood, each course is designed to celebrate flavor, craftsmanship, and community.

Join fellow culinary professionals and food enthusiasts for an unforgettable night of connection, inspiration, and exceptional cuisine.

Register Here - https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ydxrcmb/lp/2011faad-1cc1-4c98-891f-101ba6b346c8

03/28/2026

Join the ACF Monterey Bay Chapter on May 4th for a Dine-Around at Patria on Main.

Reservation links coming soon.

03/02/2026

Deadline to Apply March 16, 2026

03/02/2026

Applications are still being accepted. Deadline to apply is 4/15/26

Bert P. Cutino Professional Chef Scholarship Fund - APPLY NOW!

This scholarship program was created by the American Culinary Federation Monterey Bay Chapter in honor of renowned Chef, Bert Cutino. The mission of the fund is to educate and inspire local chefs with new techniques and knowledge to enhance their contributions to the culinary field and community.

Scholarships are designed for existing Chefs, Sous Chefs or aspiring experienced cooks in a Supervisory/Lead Cook position, with approval from their Chefs, for continuing educational opportunities.

The application will open on January 25, 2026 with the due date of April 15th.
Scholarships are designed for existing Chefs, Sous Chefs or aspiring experienced cooks in a Supervisory/Lead Cook position, with approval from their Chefs, for continuing educational opportunities.

Deadline 4/15/26 Apply Online!

Link to Apply - https://www.acfmontereybaychefs.org/education/local-scholarships/

03/02/2026

Registration is now open!

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 !
Join us in Grand Rapids, MI | June 28–July 2, 2026 for five days of competitions, education, networking and culinary inspiration.

Early Bird pricing ends March 31st — register now and save before rates increase.
From professional chefs and educators to students and emerging talent, there’s a registration option for everyone.

Secure your spot, save your seat and start planning your ACF 2026 experience.
👉 Register now: https://www.acfconvention.com/event/ACFConvention2026/registration

02/03/2026

Bert P. Cutino Professional Chef Scholarship Fund - APPLY NOW!

This scholarship program was created by the American Culinary Federation Monterey Bay Chapter in honor of renowned Chef, Bert Cutino. The mission of the fund is to educate and inspire local chefs with new techniques and knowledge to enhance their contributions to the culinary field and community.

Scholarships are designed for existing Chefs, Sous Chefs or aspiring experienced cooks in a Supervisory/Lead Cook position, with approval from their Chefs, for continuing educational opportunities.

The application will open on January 25, 2026 with the due date of April 15th.
Scholarships are designed for existing Chefs, Sous Chefs or aspiring experienced cooks in a Supervisory/Lead Cook position, with approval from their Chefs, for continuing educational opportunities.

Deadline 4/15/26 Apply Online!

Link to Apply - https://www.acfmontereybaychefs.org/education/local-scholarships/

02/01/2026

APPLY NOW - ACF Monterey Bay Chapter Marc H. Vedrines Scholarship

Recipients must enroll at a post-secondary college with a major in either culinary or pastry arts, or enroll in a culinary school. Funds must be used by December 31st of the following year the scholarship is awarded.

The scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen based on the following factors:

– A career goal of becoming a chef or pastry chef
– Financial need and merit
– Minimal GPA: 3.0
– Resident of the Tri-County Area (Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito Counties)
– Two letters of recommendation
– Volunteer activity
– An Essay
– Current and past employment


Recipients must enroll at a post-secondary college with a major in either culinary or pastry arts, or enroll in a culinary school. Funds must be used by December 31st of the following year the scholarship is awarded.

Deadline to Apply March 16, 2026
Learn More Here: https://www.acfmontereybaychefs.org/education/local-scholarships/

02/01/2026

Food for Thought presents: Finding Edna Lewis

Enjoy a special evening of film, conversation, and community as we screen Finding Edna Lewis, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Deb Freeman.

The evening will also include a networking reception featuring food inspired by Edna Lewis's cookbooks, honoring her enduring influence on American cooking, storytelling, and Black culinary history.

Grateful for the support of UC Merced's Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence (EJIE) in helping make this program possible.

Thursday, February 19
6:00–7:30 PM UC Merced | Crescent Arch Room
Space is limited — RSVP required
LINK To RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw2bI2W_O34fkatNS5nA6g6B8Q0F6utHTjPgDSrXtQ_oO3NA/viewform