08/10/2026
🌟🌟TCA State Convention 2026 in Las Colinas Omni, August 7-9. From the Friday competitions to the evening quickfire challenge, educational presentations at the conference on Saturday, and President’s Dinner Saturday night, our Fort Worth Chapter showed up and supported one another throughout. Chef Gabriel Maldonado earned a bronze medal and Chef Bonnie Norman, a silver medal. The amount of work and attention to detail they put into their dishes was incredible. From the college to the brewery to set up for the quick fire challenge in typical 🥵 Texas weather was another team effort. The quick fire team, led by Chefs Norman and Maldonado created a carne asada taco with the beef provided by Texas Beef. We used beer from Community Beer Company in our marinade and sauces. Our dish won second place. There were so many other delicious dishes to sample from 11 teams.
We rushed back to set up the conference hospitality suite at the Omni. We had the opportunity to host the hospitality suite this year. Our esteemed director, Natasha Salas, went all out to make it the success it was. Her Fort Worth contingent worked tirelessly Friday and Saturday nights to stock the room and keep things flowing.
Bright and early Saturday morning we attended meetings, paused for the awards luncheon. Chef Natasha Salas received The Contributor of the year and Zwilling USA, Chef Jason Avelson, received Purveyor of the year.
Afternoon sessions included our chapter members presenting. Chef Julia Dunaway presented on Japanese Onigirazu (sushi sandwich) and Chef Bonnie Norman presented on Boozy Desserts.
President’s Dinner and award presentations:
Student of the year: John Prigmore
Pastry Chef of the Year: Bonnie Norman
Educator of the Year: Victoria Ho**er
Chef of the Year: Julia Dunaway
Additional awards:
Presidential Medallion presented to Natasha Salas by ACF President Rene Marquis.
We are so proud of Chef Natasha for her tireless efforts and dedication to our chapter. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
Chef Jason Avelson received a Cutting Edge award from the ACF.
All of our members who showed up for the chapter, for one another and demonstrated the spirit of teamwork throughout the conference are truly appreciated.
