The Aramark Culinary Excellence (ACE) Competition is our culinary competition utilizing American Culinary Federation (ACF) standards that celebrates and spotlights Aramark’s culinary talent. The ACE competition ignites our dedication to providing growth and development while continuing to build our global culinary culture for our chefs. ACE is a hallmark of Aramark’s commitment to fueling the hospitality experience and ongoing food focus.
Our Chefs have competed individually in regional competitions where the winners advanced to the national rounds. This past week, Workplace Experience Group hosted their National Competition, where the top three winners will form a team to compete against other business unit winners, along with the 2023 International Chef’s Cup winners, in the Aramark Culinary Excellence Enterprise Finals to be held in Philadelphia in the fall of 2023.
On May 17, eight chefs competed in New York City at the National ACE competition and participated in the ACF Certified Mystery Basket challenge. Chefs were required to use all portions of the mystery basket ingredients without substitutions. The mystery basket included the following:
- Primary Protein – Rack of Lamb and Red Snapper
- Supplementary Protein – Oyster, Chicken Liver, Fresh Pork Belly
- Vegetables – Fennel, Escarole, Asparagus, Watermelon Radish
- Fruit – Asian Pear, Dried Cherry
- Starch or Grain – Freekeh
- Misc. – Black Vinegar, Greek Yogurt, Sharp Provolone, Pignolia Nuts
Chefs prepared a four-course tasting menu including an appetizer course, a soup, a salad, and a main dish. Judges’ evaluation criteria comprised the chef’s presentation, timing, kitchen skills, workspace, and how they used their mystery basket of ingredients. During the tasting, judges scored based on creativity, ingredient compatibility, flavor, texture, nutritional balance, and taste. The kitchen was buzzing, and the chefs’ exceptional culinary talent and attention to detail wowed the judges and supporters throughout the competition.
Aramark Workplace Hospitality applauds all our talented chefs who participated, and we are proud of their culinary expertise and dedication to their craft.
We look forward to seeing our national winners compete in the Enterprise Finals this fall, held at the Aramark headquarters in Philadelphia, for the chance to win the 2023 ACE Champions title!
