Three Wisconsin’s ACF Culinary Challenge Competitions were held at the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo March 10-12th at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee.  The prestigious culinary competitions included the Mystery Basket, Contemporary and Cold Food competitions.

The Mystery Basket event features teams of two chefs preparing 12 servings of a four-course meal from a “mystery basket” of ingredients that is not revealed until the competition begins.  Jeff King and Chuck Stepanovich from The Milwaukee Club created and executed a sophisticated four-course meal, winning first place and an ACF gold medal.

In the Contemporary Competition, individual chefs prepare two portions of a “signature dish” with accompaniments. The chefs have just one hour to prepare their dishes.  Tim Bucci from Joliet Junior College in Oak Forest, IL took first place in this competition.

In the Cold Food Competition chefs prepare beautifully designed appetizers, entrees and desserts that are presented on platters and mirrors. The entries are coated in an aspic glaze to preserve their shape and color while on display, and are judged on presentation, craftsmanship and artistry.  Tim Bucci from Joliet Junior College in Oak Forest, IL was also the first place winner in this competition.

Forty six chefs participated in the three competitions.  Top competitors received cash awards in addition to their Wisconsin’s ACF Culinary Challenge medals.

ACF culinary competitions such as the Mystery Basket, Cold Food and Contemporary Competitions are held to encourage the sharing of culinary techniques and developments and to promote the professional image of the culinary profession.

to learn more about these competitions, or to request photos,
please contact TRACY KOSBAU at 800-589-3211.

Summary of Competition Results:

Contemporary Competition First Place - Gold Medal
Timothy Bucci CEC CCE, CHE Joliet Junior College, Oak Forest, IL

Contemporary Competition Second Place – Silver Medal
Corey Arndt Big Tomatoes, Green Bay, WI

Contemporary Competition Third Place - Silver Medal
Kevin McGuinnis CC, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI

Mystery Basket Competition First Place – Gold Medal
Jeff King, The Milwaukee Club, Milwaukee, WI
Chuck Stepanovich, The Milwaukee Club, Milwaukee, WI

Mystery Basket Competition Second Place – Silver Medal
Timothy Bucci CEC CCE, CHE Joliet Junior College, Oak Forest, IL
Andy Chlebana   Joliet Junior College, Oak Forest, IL

Mystery Basket Competition Third Place – Silver Medal
John Johnson CEC, CCE Culinary Instructor, Madison Area Technical College
Dan Almquist Culinary Instructor, Madison Area Technical College

Cold Food Competition First Place – Gold Medal
Timothy Bucci CEC CCE, CHE Joliet Junior College, Oak Forest, IL

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The Expo is presented by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and features hundreds of exhibits, unique competitions, celebrated industry speakers and a variety of business seminars.  Additional information at www.wirestaurant.org/expo.