The Chef of the Year title is the highest honor American Culinary Federation Rochester (ACFR) awards to a member chef. Contenders for the title are nominated by the ACFR members. To compete in the Chef of the Year Cookoff, which is the final round in the selection process, competitors must demonstrate fulfillment of a specific set of criteria relating to a nominee’s years and level of experience in the Food & Beverage Industry or Culinary Education.  Selection criteria also include contributions in support of ACF Rochester, its mission and initiatives, as well as service to the Community.