Culinary student scholarship recipients Samad Steele, Emon Ahmod, Nicole Taylor and Anthony Spero. (Photo by Craig Matthews)
Atlantic Cape Community College Academy of Culinary Arts, in partnership with the Atlantic City Bailliage of Chaine des Rotisseurs, hosted its 25th annual Food and Wine Scholarship Reception at Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing campus last week.
This year’s event raised $11,640 for ACA scholarships, culinary knife kits, next summer’s Italy educational experience and other valuable resources critical to the success of academy students.
More than 100 guests indulged in an eclectic mix of fine cuisine and desserts inspired by the favorite flavors found in countries such as Argentina, Chile, France, Italy, Spain and the U.S., and carefully prepared by students of the ACA.
“Events like this are really important because pairing wine with food is, as people here know, far more than just an indulgence. It helps to elevate the dining experience,” said Chef Joseph Sheridan, director of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. “Thoughtfully selected wines have the ability to enhance flavors, balance textures and enrich your overall experience when enjoying a meal.”
Photo by Craig Matthews Four ACA students – Emon Ahmod (Hospitality), Anthony Spero (Culinary), Samad Steele (Culinary) and Nicole Taylor (Baking & Pastry) – each received $1,000 scholarships awarded from the Chaine des Rotisseurs “in recognition of outstanding dedication, skill and promise in the culinary arts, exemplifying excellence and the spirit of innovation in the field.”
Each student was generously gifted a Chaine membership and an invitation to the induction dinner where the students will become official Chaine members. As members, Ahmod, Spero, Steele and Taylor will be eligible to attend future dinners and events, which will provide them with opportunities to meet other culinary industry professionals.
Ahmod was extremely grateful to receive his scholarship and the benefits it may bring as he continues to work towards his academic goals.
“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me because this doesn’t happen very often. I have applied for numerous scholarships, but this is only the second time in my I received a scholarship and it means so much to me. I will allow me to try and get my bachelor’s degree,” said Ahmod, who plans on transferring to Stockton University’s Hospitality Management program.
Photo by Craig Matthews For more than 40 years, Atlantic City native and current Mays Landing resident Ted Lippman has been active in the wine, fine dining and hospitality industry throughout South Jersey. Lippman originally got his start in the industry as a liquor store clerk in Margate as, in his own words, “a way to explore the local culinary scene and help promote wines.” Currently the Director of Sales and Marketing for Atlantic City Casinos at Fedway Associates, Sheridan awarded Lippman with the inaugural Champion of Culinary Excellence Award.
“The support that Ted has had for this industry, and for the Academy and this organization (Chaine) cannot be overstated,” said an emotional Sheridan, who introduced Lippman and presented him with a commemorative Atlantic City Chaine 25th anniversary pin.
“Thank you. I am humbled by this. Fortunately, working in the industry, and with the support of my company, Fedway, I have been able to devote some time to this,” said Lippman, who was an original Atlantic City Chaine member back in 1981, served as bailli and officer for 23 years, and was on the inaugural committee for the Restaurant Gala. “It’s always satisfying because there are many students for whom a scholarship makes a difference in helping them stay in the program.”
Sheridan also accepted the Chaine des Rotisseurs honorary plate on behalf of the college and the ACA.
“This plate recognizes the exceptional work that the college and the ACA continues to do to cultivate some of the most talented chefs in our region,” said Dina Guzzardo, bailli, Chaine Atlantic City Bailliage. “Chef Sheridan has been a mentor to so many of these young chefs by providing guidance, encouragement and inspiration. This plate is a symbol of our gratitude and admiration for the outstanding contributions Atlantic Cape has made to the culinary arts.”
Photo by Craig Matthews Over the past 25 years, the Atlantic City Bailliage of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, which was founded in 1981, has partnered with the ACA to help raise funds in support of student scholarships. Since this event’s inception, nearly $130,000 has been raised.
Founded in 1248 in Paris, France, Chaine des Rotisseurs still stands today as the oldest Gastronomic Society in the world. It has offered scholarships and events for chefs and sommeliers across the world. It currently has a presence in more than 80 countries worldwide on five continents and nearly 25,000 professional and amateur members
