RC Schroeder, Jr., CCC of The Pines in Hartland, Wisconsin and teammate Larry London, CEC of Heidel House Resort in Winneconne, Wisconsin placed first in a recent American Culinary Federation (ACF) Mystery Basket Competition in Milwaukee.

Schroeder and London created and executed a sophisticated four-course meal, earning one of only three ACF Gold Medals awarded at the competition.

The 9th annual ACF Mystery Basket Competition was held at Host Midwest Expo, the largest regional foodservice industry trade show in the Midwest. The prestigious event features teams of chefs preparing 12 servings of a four-course meal from a "mystery basket" of ingredients that is not revealed until the competition begins.

Host Midwest Expo also conducted the 2nd annual Contemporary Competition, in which individual chefs prepare two portions of a "signature dish" with accompaniments. The recipe and photo are submitted one week prior to the competition. On the day of the competition, chefs have just one hour to prepare their dishes.

Timothy Bucci, CEC, CCE of the Cooking & Hospitality Institute in Chicago won both first and third place in the Contemporary Competition. His Steamed Napa Wrapped Walleyed Pike, stuffed with an Herbed Mousseline, with Carrot Saffron Broth, Basil Oil, Turned Zucchini, Preserved Lemon Potato Puree, Fennel Confit, and Blood Orange Almond Radish Salad dish earned him first place and an ACF Gold Medal.

Nearly 40 chefs from ten states participated in the two competitions. Overall, three gold medals, ten silver medals, eleven bronze medals and five culinary diplomas were awarded. Top competitors received cash awards in addition to their ACF medals.

Mystery Basket Competition Second Place (ACF Silver Medal)
Travis Dale, CSC of Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Indiana
Todd Downs, CEC of Cuisine Unlimited in Chesterton, Indiana

Mystery Basket Competition Third Place (ACF Silver Medal)
Timothy Bucci, CEC, CCE and Larry O'Sullivan of the Cooking & Hospitality Institute in Chicago

Contemporary Competition Second Place (ACF Gold Medal)
Keaton Stearns, CEC of Piper Restaurant in Macatawa, Michigan

Contemporary Competition Third Place (ACF Silver Medal)
Timothy Bucci, CEC, CCE of the Cooking & Hospitality Institute in Chicago

To learn more about competing, or to request photos, please contact Sara Stinski at 800-589-3211.

- END -