At NACUFS, Basic American Foods introduced innovation and fun on the menu with mini and regular-size “savory cupcakes” in two varieties: Bacon Hashbrown Cupcakes made with Golden Grill Russet™ Premium Hashbrown Potatoes and Buffalo-Chicken Meatloaf Cupcakes featuring Potato Pearls® EXCEL Original Recipe Mashed Potatoes. Prepared by PCI’s Chef Laurie Lindrup from supplied recipes, the “cupcakes” earned wide acclaim among college and university foodservice managers throughout NACUFS’ two-day trade show.

“The state-of-the-art facilities and innovative culinary and wine curricula of the Professional Culinary Institute reflect the future of the foodservice industry,” said Mike Villano, vice president of sales for Basic American Foods. “We’re proud to support PCI’s continuing efforts to train exceptional culinarians who will help shape and define U.S. foodways.”

Renee Zonka, RD, CEC, CHE, managing director and associate dean of the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College, has been inducted into the Chicago chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), an organization of woman leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industry.

Induction into LDEI is by invitation only. Named for legendary French chef, restaurateur and culinary writer Georges Auguste Escoffier, Les Dames d'Escoffier inspires women to develop their leadership skills in culinary professions.

LDEI, established in 1986 and based in Louisville, Ky., has more than 1,500 members in 27 chapters across the United States and Canada. Through chapter fund-raising efforts, nearly $4 million has been awarded in grants and scholarships and other philanthropic endeavors that support women in their career goals and provide funding for community-based services.

USA Rice Federation’s education guide—“U.S. Rice in the Culinary Classroom: The Complete Guide for Food Educators and Professionals”—was awarded the 2010 International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Award of Excellence for best education materials of the year, at IACP’s annual conference in Portland, Ore., this spring.

USA Rice Federation’s education guide—“U.S. Rice in the Culinary Classroom: The Complete Guide for Food Educators and Professionals”—was awarded the 2010 International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Award of Excellence for best education materials of the year, at IACP’s annual conference in Portland, Ore., this spring.

Maple Leaf Farms is calling for entries for The 2010 Discover Duck™ Chef Recipe Contest now through September 10, 2010. Open to professional chefs and culinary students, the contest challenges entrants to create up to three original recipes that showcase duck in creative ways.

“The possibilities are endless with duck. It’s so versatile,” said Cindy Turk, Maple Leaf Farms’ marketing manager. “This contest gives chefs a chance to use their culinary creativity. We look forward to seeing a lot of innovative and inspired recipes.”

Recipe entries may be submitted for any menu part—appetizer, soup, salad or entrée—and must include a Maple Leaf Farms duck product. The recipes will be judged according to originality, flavor, simplicity (easily sourced ingredients and ease of preparation) and accuracy of the recipe ingredients and method.

Entrants have a chance to win one of three prizes. The grand-prize-winning recipe will be awarded $5,000; second place $3,000; and third place $1,500.

The contest is open to U.S. residents, 18 years old or older. Entrants must be one of the following: professional chef, sous chef or lead line cook in a restaurant or non-commercial foodservice establishment, or a student currently enrolled at a professional culinary school.

Complete contest rules and entry details are available online at http://www.mapleleaffarms.com/chefcontest/. All entries must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 10, 2010.

Sullivan University based in Louisville, Ky., is pleased to announce that Scott A. Stromer has joined the team as its new director of food and beverage operations.

Stromer will head all food and beverage activities for the Sullivan University System, including Winston’s restaurant, the A la Carte Café, The Bakery, Juleps Catering and all commissaries. He also will oversee the dining facility at Sullivan University’s new Gardiner Point Residence Hall, which opens on June 23. This state-of-the-art housing project will feature a freestanding eatery operated primarily by Sullivan University students and graduates along with a professional management team, setting it apart from the majority of the country’s residence halls, which typically offer cafeteria-style dining.

“Scott brings a wealth of industry experience in both university and restaurant environments to Sullivan University,” said chancellor A.R. Sullivan. “His 30 years of experience with high-profile organizations and universities all across the country will certainly be an asset to our students and faculty. We’re thrilled to have him join our team.”

Most recently, Stromer was dining and culinary executive director for Michigan State University, operating club divisions and student dining in East Lansing, Mich. Prior to joining the educational community, he was owner of Culinary Restaurant Group and executive director of culinary for Restaura, Inc., both located in Phoenix, Ariz. He began his career in food and beverage operations for Hyatt Hotels and Amway Grand Plaza, working in markets throughout the country.

Stromer earned degrees from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. and Michigan State University.