CAFÉ devotes one day of its annual Leadership Conference to Educational Best Practices. These one-hour peer presentations are quite important and are very much appreciated by those in attendance.

The presentations will be on Thursday, June 25, 2026. We will be hosted by Kendall College in Chicago, Illinois.

What do we hope to get from a potential presenter?

One of next year’s themes will be “Technology in the kitchen AND Technology in the classroom.” We are seeking educators that will share their experiences and who may be asked to lead hands-on workshops. Other topics may be a focus on "What's New and What's Next" in culinary classrooms.

What ideas do you have that you could pass on to other instructors…whether secondary or postsecondary applications?

We would like to hear from you: a title, a brief outline, and your contact details, including a short bio.

Please send your submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with "Educational Best Practices" in the subject line.

Deadline for submission is November 1. Presenters receive a $100 discount on their conference registration.

Thank you!

Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education

Attn: Culinary Students 
Grilled Cheese Recipe Contest

REAL CALIFORNIA MILK and CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF FOODSERVICE EDUCATION (CAFÉ) have teamed up for a contest for your students. 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, age 18 or older who are enrolled in a secondary or postsecondary culinary program. Entries must be received between 10/06/25 to 11/10/25. See Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor: California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). 

Click here for Official Rules and Entry Form.

2026 CAFÉ Conference

We are proud to announce that Kendall College will be our 2026 host of the CAFÉ events: Deans and Directors Retreat, June 22, 2026, followed by the Leadership Conference, June 22-25, 2026.

Kendall College/National Louis University, is located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. It is directly across from some of the most wonderful sites in a major U.S. city. Kendall has been a long-time partner of CAFÉ’s and we are excited to be working with them on behalf of the culinary / hospitality / baking / pastry instructors from around the U.S. 

More information to come – SAVE THE DATE! June 22 - 25, 2026

 2026 CAFÉ Award Information Coming Soon!

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.  

Click here to download your copy of the chart.

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.