ACF Tampa Bay Culinary Association

08/19/2026

ACF Membership Survey - https://mailchi.mp/4f4339d08867/acf-membership-survey
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/qAB5yYGQF2

08/16/2026

You're Invited to ACF Tampa Bay's Awards Dinner - https://mailchi.mp/99beeaf2561c/youre-invited-to-acf-tampa-bays-awards-dinner

08/08/2026

YOU'RE INVITED TO MENU QUEST -

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08/08/2026

https://mailchi.mp/7db2837a6afc/acf-tampa-bay-meeting-reminderMONDAY MEETING REMINDER

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08/08/2026

The knives are sharpened, the aprons are pressed (mostly), and it’s time to get the brigade back together. 👨‍🍳
After weeks of chasing tickets, fighting the dinner rush, and wondering who touched the mise en place… it’s time to step away from the line and reconnect with your culinary family.

Join ACF Tampa Bay for our next chapter meeting hosted by Florida REPs.
📅 Monday, August 10
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 6706 Benjamin Rd Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33634

Come network, learn, and grow. No ticket printer required. No expo yelling. Just chefs talking shop.

07/22/2026

⚾️ Roll call!

Who's coming to cheer on the Tampa Tarpons with ACF Tampa Bay?

Drop a ⚾ in the comments if we'll see you there!

It's a great chance to relax, catch up with fellow members, and enjoy a summer evening with family and friends.

📅 Thursday, July 30
📍 George M. Steinbrenner Field

🎟️ Tickets are limited. Grab yours before they're gone!

To RSVP for your 2 FREE tickets - https://tinyurl.com/24jvtbm9
To purchase additional tickets - https://tinyurl.com/mwt3f4ux

07/19/2026

07/07/2026

Last week, our chapter was well represented at the ACF National Convention in Grand Rapids.

First, we need to congratulate two members on their induction into the American Academy of Chefs ~ Bill Paul, HAAC and Nazim Khan, CEC, WCMC, HAAC!

A second round of congratulations goes out to:
Gaston D. Merideth, CEC of
Xiomara Mora-Rivera of
Patrick Artz, CEC of Erwin Technical College

These three Chef's were awarded the ACF Presidential Medallion, which is considered the highest honor given by the President of the American Culinary Federation. It is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.

Lastly, several of our own members took to the main stage on various days:
-Our very own Chapter President, Michael Thrash, CEC, CCA, CCE, AAC, WCMC,CRC,PCII,MWMCS took part on a panel discussion about burnout, excess, and the relentless pressure of our industry.
-Xiomara Mora-Rivera, did a presentation on The Impact of the Latina Chef
-Not to be outdone - Gaston, Vanessa, and even Rene participated in the first ever NewChef Fashion Show.

All while Vanessa Marquis, CEC, AAC served as MC for much of the week to help fill a much needed roll.

If you weren't able to make it this year, then make sure you save the date and join us July 12-15, 2027 over in ORLANDO, FL!!!

06/13/2026

Obituary and information for our dear Chef Jennifer Denlinger. Please share and please plan on attending.

Chef Jennifer Marie Denlinger, PhD, CCC, CHEP Jennifer Marie Denlinger, 47, a proud native Floridian and decorated chef, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at her home in Seminole, Fla., surrounded…

06/10/2026

It is with great sadness we pass along the news of our dear friend Chef Jennifer Denlinger has passed away on Tuesday June 9th after a multi-year battle with cancer. She served many years as the President of the Central Florida ACF Chapter and was a chef instructor at Valencia College. A Florida native in the town of Seminole. She was ACF national chef instructor of the year in 2020 and was a certified Chef de Cuisine and Certified Culinary Educator. Also achieved her Ph.D. She truly was a passionate and talented chef. Her legacy is immeasurable and her kindness, knowledge, compassion, caring, love, and dedication will be fondly remembered. Rest in peace chef. We are all better for have knowing you and the world is worse without you. 😔 💛💐👩‍🍳