CAFÉ Update April 27, 2026
27 April 2026On Tuesday, June 23, two Master Classes will be offered at the 2026 CAFÉ Conference in Chicago.
Chocolate Master Class
Led by Chef Josh Johnson of Guittard, this session covers essential chocolate techniques and recipes, including cremeux, whipped ganache, and chocolate mousse. The class emphasizes practical applications for pastry menus and teaching programs, offering hands-on experience with professional chocolate preparation.
- Fee: $25
- Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
- Limited to 16 attendees
- To register, click here.
Pizza Master Class
Led by Lars Smith, Chef/Owner, State of Mind Hospitality Group, this interactive class explores pizza-making fundamentals, from dough preparation to cheese selection and tasting. Participants will learn about different pizza styles, engage in hands-on exercises, and sample a variety of cheeses to enhance their understanding of flavor profiles and techniques.
- Fee: $35
- Time: 12:00–4:00 p.m.
- Limited to 16 attendees
- To register, click here.
Separate Registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity—register now to secure your spot in one of these exclusive classes.
For more information and the most recent conference agenda, click here.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone in June in Chicago!
Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
2026 Conference Information
The hotel accommodations will be the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago (Limited Rooms Available – secure your room today). We will be in walking distance (0.7 mi) to the S. Michigan Avenue campus of Kendall College.
The Hotel is located in a perfect area to explore and enjoy Chicago and its riverfront, great restaurants, outdoor art and more!
For hotel registration information, click here.
2026 Conference Countdown: Partner Spotlights
More Partner Spotlights coming soon! We’re proud to collaborate with this exceptional group of sponsors who make our conferences truly possible.
Watch all the 2026 Conference “Meet Our Partner” videos on our YouTube channel: @Cafemeetingplace
Have you checked out CAFÉ Talks Podcast?
Our host, Paul Sorgule has spearheaded this podcast and has done a wonderful job. He has interviewed over 100 of the most influential people in education, culinary classrooms, the foodservice industry, leadership, innovation, culinary history, and management – there is something for everyone to relish and use.
Have you thought about integrating the CAFÉ Talks Podcast into your student curriculum for an assignment? Have you thought "I really wish I could remember which podcast pertained to a certain subject?"
Paul Sorgule, has created an organized chart that demonstrates where each interview might apply in your classrooms as assignments or a point of reference for faculty.
We could not have produced this podcast series if it wasn't for our sponsors who we thank very much for their continued support of CAFÉ.
For our complete lineup of podcast or to subscribe, go to www.CafeMeetingPlace.com/cafe-podcasts.
For video peeks of our launched episodes, go to our Facebook page, CafeMeetingPlace.
CAFÉ CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Petersen, President, CAFÉ; Executive Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
(410) 268-5542 (office)
(443) 994-8228 (cell)
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Lisa Parrish, Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
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Mary Young, Administrative Assistant
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Paul Sorgule, Host, CAFETalks Podcast
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