Local chefs compete in American Culinary Federation’s Chef of the Year Cookoff

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Local chefs were put to the test Monday night at the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) Chef of the Year Cookoff.

This year, the Rochester chapter partnered with Foodlink for the competition.

The ACF had nine nominees for Chef of the Year and chose three to compete Monday night.

From the moment the chefs found out their mystery protein was duck, they had 15 minutes to write a menu and an hour to prepare four plates for the judges.

Not only was it a great opportunity for the chefs, it was also a special experience for apprentices at Foodlink.

"We’re always looking for opportunities to enrich their curriculum and enrich our program,” said Foodlink Chef Trainer Ashley Chung. “And we thought it would be a great opportunity for my students and some of the employees here to see these great chef’s work, see them compete and see what’s possible for their careers."

Genesee Valley Club Executive Sous Chef Sarah Kelsey, Monroe Community College Associate Professor Evelyn Lannak and BOCES Culinary Art Instructor Brian Mattice competed this year.

Chef Sarah Kelsey won the title of Chef of the Year.