Sullivan University’s Derek Spendlove succeeds Guggenmos as chair; rest of commission named.

Derek Spendlove, CEPC, CCE, AAC, baking-and-pastry-arts chair for the National Center for Hospitality Studies (NCHS) at Sullivan University, Louisville, Ky., has been named chair of the American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF) Certification Commission and will assume the position’s responsibilities on Jan. 15, 2010. Spendlove will replace current chair Karl J. Guggenmos, AAC, University Dean of Culinary Education, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I., who will remain on the commission as past chair.

By Douglas L. Alley

When we work together, the foodservice workplace provides many opportunities to do well by doing good.

The ancient fable of stone soup recounts the story of three hungry travelers who come upon a small town, plagued by years of war and meager harvest. Having not even enough for themselves, the villagers urge the travelers to move on without ceasing. "We have nothing for you,” they say.

By Edward Korry, CWE, CSS

Here’s what every wine server should know.

When making suggestions to guests, get a sense of the kinds of wines they enjoy to avoid making needless suggestions. The server should be very familiar with the establishment’s wine list. If a wine is unavailable, the guest should be informed prior to making a selection. The server should observe the following procedures:

By Eric Stein, M.S., R.D.

Cacao refers to the genus and beans; cocoa is the foundation of what we love.

One of the oldest and most celebrated foods on the planet today, chocolate was so highly prized by ancient civilizations that is was used as a form of currency. Today, it is nearly impossible to find a dessert menu that does not feature at least one chocolate-based confection.

Consumers desire chocolate for reasons including its decadence, flavor and various health benefits. Chocolate comes from the genus-species theobroma cocoa, theobroma being derived from the Greek words for “god” and “food.” Cocoa is grown on almost 30,000 square miles worldwide, in mostly temperate climates between 20° North and 20° South of the equator. Notable cocoa-producing areas include Central and South America, Indonesia and Africa. The cocoa plant produces myriad different products, but before they become the delicious food known as chocolate, the cocoa beans must go through an involved process.

This year’s Chefs Collaborative Summit, held at Kendall College, revealed big news for a growing fan base from the USDA.

Chefs Collaborative’s 2009 National Summit was held at Kendall College in Chicago, Sept. 15-16, drawing chefs and media nationwide with a commitment to ecological sustainability in foodservice to the campus for the Boston-based nonprofit’s annual meeting. Keynoter Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo fame broke away from his new restaurant, XOCO, to stress the importance of small, sustainable, family-owned businesses to the lifeblood of a town or neighborhood to an enthusiastic audience of nearly 150.