Home Page
Welcome to the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine!
A message from the President of the Michigan Chefs de Cuisine:
As we enjoy the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all members of the Michigan Chef de Cuisine Association. This past year has been filled with accomplishments we can all be proud of, and none of it would have been possible without your continued involvement and support.
Thank you for your outstanding attendance and engagement at our monthly meetings. We are fortunate to have an exceptional group of first-time sponsors as well as long-standing partners whose commitment helps drive the mission of the MCCA forward. Your support and collaboration are truly appreciated.
I would also like to recognize the members who embraced our spirit of “leveling up” by challenging themselves to pursue certification this year. Your dedication to professional growth strengthens our chapter and elevates our craft.
Our Chef of the Year Dinner, graciously hosted by Chef Steve Valenti, CEC, and his talented team at Bloomfield Hills Country Club on October 20th, was a tremendous success. Congratulations to all award recipients—we are proud of your achievements and look forward to cheering on our chefs as they represent us at the 2026 regional competitions.
This year also marked the introduction of the MCCA Hall of Fame, unveiled at the Chef of the Year Dinner. It was an honor to recognize and celebrate those who have paved the way for our membership. My sincere thanks go to Tom Recinella and the Hall of Fame Committee for bringing this meaningful initiative to life.
On November 3rd, we hosted our largest chapter meeting of 2025 at Oakland Community College’s Culinary Studies Institute. The campus, students, and faculty delivered an impressive and inspiring showcase of skill and hospitality. We then kicked off the holiday season on November 30th with our annual Christmas Party, welcoming 160 members and their families for a wonderful evening of celebration.
I want to personally thank our exceptional MCCA board and committee chairs for your unwavering dedication to the ACF and to the Michigan Chef de Cuisine Association. I wish each of you a joyful, healthy holiday season and a very Happy New Year. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2026.
Warm regards,
Jim Churches, CEC, CCA, AAC
President, Michigan Chef de Cuisine Association
Midwest Director, American Academy of Chefs
Scholarships & Grants
Check out our available scholarships and grants, available for student and professional members.
Member Area Login
Are you a member of the ACF Michigan? Login below for full access.
Not a member yet? Click here to join.
"Over the last 20 years I can’t thank the American Culinary Federation enough for all the opportunities they have provided me. Every job I have gotten was from networking with individuals at various chapter meetings. My confidence from ACF mentors has enabled me to excel in some of the highest volume banquet center around the world. Some highlights of my carrier that ACF networking provided was opening a restaurant and brew pub, participating at the White House with Chef Move to Schools and participating in events with food network star while volunteering with Share our Strength. I would highly recommend getting involved."
Tim Miller
Executive Chef
Check out new employment opportunities HERE!
There are many American Culinary Federation chapters across the state of Michigan. However, in the heart of southeastern Michigan, there is a very special chapter. The Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association was founded in 1970 by Master Chef Milos Cihelka, CMC, AAC, HGT, whose vision it was to create one of the most prestigious professional associations in the nation. The chapter consists of about 480 members, including 275 professionals.
