CAFÉ Update October 26, 2026
26 October 2026Culinary Student Scholarship Opportunity
Student scholarships are available through the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, with support from the American Academy of Chefs (AAC). Applications are open only until October 31. For more information, click here.
Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
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 24, 2027. We will be hosted by Community College of Philadelphia.
What do we hope to get from a potential presenter?
One of next year’s themes will be “Going Forward.” 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 20, 2026. Presenters receive a $100 discount on their conference registration.
Thank you!
Join us in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 21–24, 2027, for the 2027 CAFÉ Conference, hosted by Drexel University and the Community College of Philadelphia.
Additional conference details are coming soon. We look forward to welcoming you to Philadelphia in 2027!
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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