Chef Educate

09/11/2026

05/15/2026

Attended an incredible welcome mixer and networking dinner with chefs from around the world. It was amazing seeing old friends again while meeting so many talented new culinary professionals.

These photos capture the spirit of what Worldchefs is truly about — chefs from every corner of the globe coming together before the conference officially begins to share ideas, friendships, culture, and passion for our industry.

The food was excellent, the hospitality has been outstanding, and now after nearly 48 hours of travel… it’s finally time to relax.

Excited for the days ahead at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 — the first time in history the event has ever been hosted in the United Kingdom!

05/15/2026

After one unforgettable journey, we finally made it to Wales for the 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at ICC Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales! 🇺🇸✈️🏴

What a start to the trip…

Things began Thursday afternoon leaving school at 2:30 when a cherry tree split in the driveway and had to be moved before we could even head out! Somehow, we still made it to the airport on time — only to find the international luggage line backed up more than 150 people deep. Thinking quickly, we found curbside bag check and barely made our flight.

Dinner before boarding? Homemade India style sandwiches and chicken liver pâté while running through the airport! 😂

After landing overseas, it took us over 30 minutes to organize connecting flights and locate fellow chefs traveling from America, but eventually everything came together. From there, we enjoyed a beautiful 2½-hour ride through the Welsh countryside to Newport.

We grabbed a brief lunch, checked into the hotel around 4:00 PM, relaxed for about an hour, and then attended an incredible networking dinner with chefs from around the world. It was amazing seeing old friends again while meeting so many talented new culinary professionals.

The food was excellent, the hospitality has been outstanding, and now after nearly 48 hours of travel… it’s finally time to relax.

Excited for the days ahead at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 — the first time in history the event has ever been hosted in the United Kingdom!

04/22/2025

Join us for our April 2025 Chapter Meeting at the CIM in Port Huron! Hosted by Chef Tom Recinella, CEC, AAC, HoF and an Open Forum with ACF Team USA Managers and ACF competition judges panel.


Detailed directions:
Approaching from the West on I-69. Take the I-94 East exit to I-94 then exit at exit 275 Pine Grove M25 exit then follow the directions below once off the exit.

Approaching from the Detroit Metro Area on I 94 east:
You will get off at exit 275 Pine Grove M25 exit. It is the last exit on I 94 east. (Stay all the way over to the right. We have had visitors accidentally go onto the bridge to Canada; it is not fun)

Please be advised due to the proximity of the Blue Water Bridge to Canada, GPS sometimes does not work correctly and sends people onto the bridge to Canada.

Once off the exit:
There is a light once you get off at exit 275. Go straight through the light. You will be parallel to the Blue Water Bridge which will be on your left. You will cross 10th street. Follow the blue signs for the convention center and waterfront. You will come to a four way stop at this point you should see the DoubleTree Hilton 800 Harker St, Port Huron, MI 48060 straight ahead. You will head straight into their parking lot. Look right and you will see our building and our two residence halls.

The parking lot is shared with Doubletree By Hilton hotel.

04/21/2025

ONE LAST ASK BEFORE VOTING OPENS!
Ballots arrive in your email TOMORROW - Let's make the Central Region stronger together!
Chefs, as spring brings new beginnings—my daughters graduating, students advancing to Nationals, and our industry buzzing back to life—I'm reminded why this election matters.
For 30 years, the ACF has been my compass:
✨ From my first meeting Mid Hudson Chapter New York
✨ To presiding over chapters post-pandemic & fighting for chefs' nutrition and mental health
As your VP, I'll deliver:
✅ Transparent leadership - No closed doors
✅ Chapter-first communication - Every president/member heard
✅ Growth where it's needed – Certification, Accreditation and Member Retention.
This isn't about me - it's about us and OUR future. The ballots land tomorrow. I humbly ask for your vote to keep our momentum going.

04/16/2025

CHEFS OF THE CENTRAL REGION—I NEED YOUR VOTE!
Check your email for ballots starting April 22nd!
From my first ACF meeting in Rhinebeck with President Marquis to today—30 years later—it’s time to give back at the national level.
As your ACF Central Regional Vice President, I’ll fight for:
✅ TRANSPARENCY in finances & communication
✅ INCLUSION that honors senior chefs’ legacies and fresh voices
✅ RESULTS backed by 20+ years of ACF board leadership
MY PLEDGE TO YOU:
🔹 Bridge education & industry through ProStart, SkillsUSA, FCCLA, and ACF high school competitions
🔹 Clear chapter communication—no president or member left in the dark
🔹 Healthier chefs—advocating for mental/physical wellness and Chef & Child mentorship
Our Next generation is important to mentor and nourish!
This isn’t about me—it’s about PROTECTING OUR FUTURE.
📽️ WATCH MY 30-SEC MESSAGE → Why I’m running
📩 VOTE STARTING 4/22 (check your inbox!)
📞 Let’s talk: 810-650-8825 | [email protected]
With gratitude,
Chef James Kokenyesdi, CEC® CCA® AAC
Fraser High School | MI ACF Chairman | Chef & Child Task Force


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03/27/2025

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I truly appreciate each and every one of you more than you know. Your support means the world to me—don’t forget, I’m looking for your vote for Central Region Vice President of the American Culinary Federation!

03/24/2025

Well done