CAFÉ Update February 16, 2026
16 February 2026
Our host, Paul Sorgule has spearheaded the CAFÉ podcast and has done a wonderful job. He has interviewed over 105 of the most influential people in education, the foodservice industry, leadership, innovation, culinary history, and management – there is something for everyone to relish and use.
Here are the top ten clicked podcasts (from the CAFÉ website).
- Nathaniel Reid - 2427 clicks - episode #74
- Joe Bonaparte - 2357 clicks - episode #79
- Denise Zanchelli - 2248 clicks- episode #56
- Susan Notter - 2066 clicks - episode #18
- John Masi - 2008 clicks - episode #70
- Alan Kahn - 1995 clicks- episode #88
- Michel Escoffier - 1863 clicks - episode #27
- Chris Ericson - 1840 clicks- episode #38
- Jeremiah Tower - 1835 clicks - episode #12
- John Schopp - 1802 clicks- episode #90
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.
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.
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
Master Class Information – Chocolate and Pizza
Click here, for genaral conference information and registration links.
The hotel accommodations is the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. 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 CAFÉ Award Information
The information on the 2026 CAFÉ Awards is now available on our website.
To view all awards go to cafemeetingplace.com/scholarship-awards.
2026 Educator of the Year Award (Secondary & Postsecondary)
2026 Student of the Year Award
If you know a fellow teacher that would be great for an award you can nominate them or it is ok to nominate yourself. Just remember you have to apply to win.
Previous applicants and winners are encourage to apply.
Also, if you have a culinary/hospitality student that would like a wonderful opportunity, the Idaho Potato Commission will be offering their 4th annual Student of the Year Award.
Deadline for applications: April 1, 2026
CAFÉ Talks Podcast – Season 11
For a video peek of episode 105, click here.
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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