ACF Gulf to Lakes Chefs & Cooks Association

02/16/2026

We will be hosting a Culinary Competition, Signature Sandwich Battle, at Lake Tech on Monday, March 23. The criteria and rules will be reviewed at our meeting this Monday at Lake Minneola High School at 6 o'clock. The competition will feature two categories: professional and student. Please contact us if you are interested.

02/08/2026

Our Next meeting Monday, February 23, 2026 Lake Minneola High school (All School Advisory Meeting)
We will going over the rules and menu for our First GTL ACF FOOD SPORT COMPETITION @ Lake Tech in march will begin at 5 with the general meeting beginning at 6.
I look forward to seeing you all there.
The meeting dates for the rest of the year are as follows

Saturday, March 7, 2026 BBQ @ Chef Jeff’s House
Mark your calenders for our annual BBQ at CHef Jeff Rotz house
Monday March 26, 2026 GTL ACF FOOD SPORT COMPETITION @ Lake Tech The competition is open to both students and educators
Please look for the email flyer and rules
Monday, April 20, 2026 The Villages High school (Tentative)
Monday May 18, 2026 Eastridge High School

June 28-July 2 ACF National Convention will be held in Grand Rapids Michigan
The countdown to the 2026 ACF National Convention has officially begun—and we’re excited to share two important updates as we head into the new year.
Registration Opening Soon

Join chefs, educators, students and industry leaders from across the country in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 28–July 2, 2026, for ACF’s premier annual event. From high-level education and national competitions to networking and industry innovation, ACF 2026 will deliver the experiences that help culinary professionals grow, connect and lead.
Registration will be opening soon—stay tuned for pricing details and early registration opportunities

01/22/2026

Our Next meeting will be Monday, January 26, 2026 Leesburg High School Culinary.
Chef Bell will be doing a demo and talk about the History of American Cuisine and there will be several courses of different ethnic foods offered to show the diversity of the melting pot we call America. The junior meeting and our Board meeting will begin at 5 with the general meeting beginning at 6.
I look forward to seeing you all there.
The meeting dates for the rest of the year are as follows
Monday, February 23, 2026 Lake Minneola High school (All School Advisory Meeting)
We will going over the rules and menu for our First GTL ACF FOOD SPORT COMPETITION @ Lake Tech in march
Saturday, March 7, 2026 BBQ @ Chef Jeff’s House
Mark your calenders for our annual BBQ at CHef Jeff Rotz house
Monday March 26, 2026 GTL ACF FOOD SPORT COMPETITION @ Lake Tech
Monday, April 20, 2026 The Villages High school (Tentative)
Monday May 18, 2026 TBD

June 28-July 2 ACF National Convention will be held in Grand Rapids Michigan
The countdown to the 2026 ACF National Convention has officially begun—and we’re excited to share two important updates as we head into the new year.
Registration Opening Soon

Join chefs, educators, students and industry leaders from across the country in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 28–July 2, 2026, for ACF’s premier annual event. From high-level education and national competitions to networking and industry innovation, ACF 2026 will deliver the experiences that help culinary professionals grow, connect and lead.
Registration will be opening soon—stay tuned for pricing details and early registration opportunities

01/01/2026

2026: A New Year, A Stronger Chapter
Good Afternoon everyone,

As we step into 2026, I want to personally wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year from myself and your Executive Board.

A new year brings renewed energy, fresh opportunities, and the chance to raise the bar for our chapter. This is our moment to reflect on where we’ve been—and more importantly, to focus on where we’re going. The year ahead is about growth, visibility, and action.

To truly move our chapter forward, it will take all of us. When we come together, we have the power to show our communities what chefs are truly about: leadership, professionalism, mentorship, service, and passion—not just what’s seen on television. Our skills, dedication, and teamwork define who we are.

As we begin this year, I challenge each of you to step up, get involved, and help elevate our chapter to new heights. There are exciting initiatives ahead, meaningful opportunities to serve, and goals that will shape the next two years. Together, we can strengthen our chapter, expand our impact, and leave a lasting mark on our communities and our profession.

I am proud to serve alongside such a talented and dedicated group of culinary professionals, and I look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with all of you in the year ahead.

Thank you for your continued support, commitment, and passion. Here’s to a safe, successful, and powerful 2026.

With respect and enthusiasm,

Chef Nicholas J. Sandora, CEC

President, American Culinary Federation

Gulf to Lakes Chefs & Cooks Association

11/17/2025

My Appoligies,
But Due to unforseen circumstances at the Kroger Fullfillment center the meeting for tonight has been canceled.
I am so sorry
I look forward to seeing you all at the Christmas Party December 15th .
Please keep an eye out for an email for John Woods for the Google forms for both the sides for the party as well as our chapter awards.
Thank you and have a great evening
Chef Nicholas J Sandora CEC, WCEC, CSFE
Culinary Instructor
Lake Minneola High School
President
American Culinary Federation
Gulf to Lakes Chefs & Cooks Association

10/21/2025

The night’s meeting at five points. Orlando was a great time. They took us through each piece of equipment and made a spread. That was so good that all of us walked out of there very full.
This was an amazing meeting !!!
Our November meeting will be at the Kroger fulfillment center in Groveland, Florida

10/21/2025

Tonight’s meeting at Five points Orlando
We had a great meeting

07/31/2025

Get ready cause the chef and child initiative is coming to our chapter.
This is something that’s always been near and dear to my heart and I wanna make it happen this year

07/31/2025

07/31/2025

It’s Wednesday and here are some pictures from day three of the ACF national convention