ACF Minneapolis Chef's Chapter

05/29/2026

Master Chef Brad Barnes earned the Certified Master Chef title in 1996.

Career highlights:
- President of Pure Food Consulting, based in Greenwich, Connecticut.
- He is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, class of 1987, and previously served as director of consulting and industry programs at CIA.
- Barnes is the co-author of the American Culinary Federation’s Guide to Culinary Certification and So You Want to Be a Chef? A Guide to Culinary Careers.
- He is a two-time Culinary Olympics medalist
- He has received ACF honors including the President’s Award, President’s Medallion, and Hermann G. Rush Humanitarian Award.

www.americanmasterchefsorder.org

05/29/2026

AMCO will be recognizing our two new Certified Master Chefs, MC Luis Young & MC Geoffrey Lanez on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, during the “All About AMCO General Session” at the ACF National Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Wednesday, July 1st at 9am during the “All About AMCO General Session” at the ACF National Convention

05/29/2026

Master Chef Steve Jilleba earned the Certified Master Chef title in 1997.

Career highlights:
- Chef Jilleba started SJ Culinary Consulting in July of 2017 and has worked on training, product evaluations and interim chef’s roles in clubs
- Chef Jilleba joined Unilever Foodsolutions in March of 1999 and held the Senior Corporate Executive Chef for North America through July 2017.
- Steve is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1977, and has since held numerous executive chef positions in hotels and other fine dining establishments around the globe.
- Steve has an extensive background in culinary competitions in which he has won a variety of awards. Some competition highlights include competing in three International Culinary Olympic competitions winning an impressive 9 Gold Medals.
- In February of 2017 Steve received the ACF Presidents Special Awards.
- He was appointed ACF Culinary Team Manager through 2012 and as team 2016 Advisor.
- Steve received the 2013 ACF Leadership Award at the American Culinary Federation National Convention.
- He has served as National Culinary Competition Chairman for the American Culinary Federation and the National Youth Team Manager. Earlier, Chef Jilleba was successful leading the ACF Youth Team USA 2008 to two gold medals and grand champions at the World Culinary Grand Prix in Glasgow, Scotland.
- In June of 2009 Steve was bestored the honorary of Doctorate of Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University.
- In 2008 Chef Jilleba was awarded The Chairman Award from the American Academy of Chef.
- In 2007 Steve was awarded the Presidents Award from the American Culinary Federation their highest honor.
- In 2000, he was awarded the ACF Central Region Chefs Professionalism Award and was
- Named the ACF Central Region Chef of the Year in 2001.

www.americanmasterchefsorder.org

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

The American Culinary Federation extends its sincere thanks to Cargill for hosting this evening’s General Meeting. It was a wonderful gathering with many chefs in attendance.
To conclude the evening, Cargill presented a culinary education session followed by a dinner featuring Sterling Silver Premium Beef.
On behalf of the Board and Associates of the American Culinary Federation, thank you, Cargill, for your hospitality and support.

05/14/2026

A big thank you to our sponsors and volunteers. We were at Anne Sullivan/Anishinabe Academy this week talking about (and sampling) Leafy Greens.
We have been able to reach about 150 elementary students at 5 different schools thanks to our partnership with YMCA/Beacons

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

Congratulations Noah !🎉

05/01/2026

We continued our Chef and Child presentations at Ascension Catholic School yesterday.
Thanks again to our sponsors and volunteers.

01/27/2026

Last night we also recognized several other members for their contributions to our community and awarded $7000.00 in scholarships.
Student Chef Joni Mack, Chef Shirley Cheng, Educator Chef Sara Johannes, Chef Juan Carlos Reyes and Chef Pamela Rodriguez.