Baker College Student, Instructor Honored by Michigan Chefs de Cuisine
A student and an instructor from Baker College of Port Huron Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) have each received a major award from the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association (MCCA), a chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) serving the southeastern part of the state.
Jill Tucker of St. Clair was named 2014 Student Chef of the Year champion, and adjunct instructor and wine sommelier Michael Schafer, J.D., of Troy received the Associate Member of the Year award before more than 250 MCCA members at the organization’s 2014 Annual Awards Gala at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Sept. 29.
“This recognition signifies the depth of our young program, and it is a testament to the quality of our students and instructors,” says F. James Cummins, Baker College System president and CEO. “From students to faculty, our people are our strength and the reason for our excellence. We’re very proud of Chef Recinella and his staff who are already producing award-winning talent at the CIM Port Huron.”
Tucker earned her new title by competing against eight students who represented other collegiate culinary programs in southeastern Michigan on Aug. 12. Each competitor prepared two portions of a signature dish in 60 minutes while adhering to exacting ACF guidelines. Tucker prepared a duet of chicken accompanied by an asparagus pesto-filled agnolotti pasta and a vegetable mélange.
She expects to complete a culinary-arts associate degree in June 2015 and plans to teach after graduation.
“Jill is certainly deserving of the prestigious title of MCCA Student Chef of the Year,” says Thomas F. Recinella, CEC, ACE, AAC, program director and COURSES Restaurant executive chef at CIM Port Huron. “She trained extensively for the competition, and has demonstrated her dedication and devotion to her education, the culinary profession and, most importantly, her fellow students throughout her time at CIM Port Huron.”
Schafer is a wine educator who is as entertaining as he is knowledgeable about wine. Professionally known as the Wine Counselor, he provides training, education and development services to establishments selling and serving wine. His humorous approach to wine education is reflected in his trademark phrase, “I taste bad wine so you don’t have to.” At CIM Port Huron, he teaches two courses: Introduction to Wine and Beer Styles and Service.
For more information about Baker College, visit www.baker.edu. For more information about MCCA, visit www.mccachef.org.
Photo:Jill Tucker, a CIM Port Huron student, bested eight student culinarians representing other collegiate programs in southeastern Michigan for the title of Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association Student Chef of the Year. She is pictured with Thomas F. Recinella, CEC, ACE, AAC, program director and COURSES Restaurant executive chef at CIM Port Huron.