As 2024 comes to a close, the American Master Chefs’ Order (AMCO) reflects on a year filled with incredible achievements, impactful events, and inspiring moments. Here’s a look back at the highlights of this remarkable year:

1. AMCO’s Assessment Program

This year, AMCO hosted two in-person assessment programs in February and

October. These evaluations help chefs gauge their readiness for the Master Chef exam. The program offers chefs valuable insight into their strengths and areas for improvement through weekly Zoom calls where menu assignments are reviewed and critiqued. Those who meet program requirements gain eligibility for live, in-person cooking assessments.

2. Alaska Salute to the Military

Master Chefs Helmut Holzer and James Corwell participated in the Armed Services YMCA Alaska’s Salute to the Military, an annual event honoring service members across all branches.

From MC Helmut Holzer:
“This event celebrates the military’s service and achievements. For myself and MC Corwell, it was an honor to show our appreciation by sharing our culinary expertise. Together with enlisted aides and airmen, we served 3,000 tasting portions to 450 attendees, highlighting Alaskan ingredients such as salmon berries, black cod, and wild game. This fundraiser supports service members in need, and it’s truly one of Alaska’s premier events.”

AMCO also presented certificates of participation to the culinary team, recognizing their exceptional contributions.

3. 3rd Annual Master Chef Dinner at Belleair Country Club

The tradition of excellence continued at the 3rd Annual Master Chef Dinner hosted by Belleair Country Club. This event brought together culinary masters to create an unforgettable dining experience, showcasing the artistry and skill that define our profession. We are looking forward to next year’s event!

4. 2024 AMCO Presidents Award

This year’s AMCO Presidents Award honored John Perruccio, Middleby Group President, and Executive Chef Paul Liptak for their unwavering support in building a strong foundation for the future of the American Master Chef. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing our organization’s goals.

5. Master Chef Dinners with MCs Gerald Ford and Daryl Shular

Two exclusive Master Chef Dinners were auctioned during the 3rd Annual Master Chef Dinner at Belleair Country Club, raising funds for AMCO initiatives.

• The first dinner, led by MC Gerald Ford, delivered an extraordinary experience aboard a yacht in Clearwater, FL.
• The second dinner, led by MC Daryl Shular, hosted 16 guests at a private residence in Northern Michigan.

Both events were made possible with the dedicated support of Chef Paul Liptak, Executive Chef of Belleair Country Club, whose commitment to excellence was evident in every detail.

6. Master Chef Dinner with MC Anthony Seta

From MC Anthony Seta:

“Camp Conquest is designed specifically for individuals with special needs and disabilities to have fun and to grow spiritually (It is one of about 24 in the USA and is also available to disabled vets). Mark Price opened Camp Conquest in 2013 with a group of liked mined volunteers.  They have created a place where God can do and does extraordinary things through people regardless of their disability, age health, or diagnosis.  You can watch a person confined to a wheelchair their whole life go down a 600-foot zipline.  To see these adventures unfold in front of you will bring tears to your eyes.  I know it did for me.  That is why I am involved with Camp Conquest. Over the past three years I have been involved with Camp Conquest along with my fellow instructors and students of the Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute and the University of Memphis.  As a team, we develop, organize, prepare, and serve The Camp Conquest Charity Event Buffet for approximately 250 guests.  After the buffet dinner is serve there is an auction for many outstanding gifts and trips of all types.  During this time the Master Chef Dinner goes up for auction.  Over the past three year we have served four Master Chef Dinners.”

7. AMCO Mastermind at the Middleby Innovation Kitchens (MIK)

• Our Mastermind event at the Middleby Innovation Kitchens (MIK) was a resounding success. This gathering of Master Chefs and sponsors provided opportunities to connect, collaborate, and cook together in a state-of-the-art environment. We are looking forward to next year’s event.

8. Honoring a Culinary Legend: The Ferdinand Metz, CMC Event at The Greenbrier

• On November 9th, AMCO honored Ferdinand Metz, CMC, at The Greenbrier for his extraordinary contributions to the culinary world. The event brought together esteemed chefs to celebrate Chef Metz’s legacy and impact on the industry. Ferdinand Metz, CMC was presented with the Culinary Legend award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the culinary world.

9. Welcoming Chef Thomas Keller to AMCO

We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Thomas Keller as an honorary member of the American Master Chefs’ Order (AMCO). Chef Thomas Keller was honored with the Honorary American Master Chef Award—the very first to receive this distinction.

10. The Metz Master Chef Family Tree

1. The Metz Master Chef Family Tree was created as a tribute to Ferdinand Metz, CMC, and his extraordinary influence on the culinary world. The tree honors all the successful candidates of the Certified Master Chef (CMC) and Certified Master Pastry Chef (CMPC) exam he created, representing the pinnacle of American culinary standards.

11. Acknowledging All Sponsors

• AMCO’s achievements in 2024 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors. Without your continued support, our work would not be possible. We appreciate your ongoing commitment and dedication to our mission: To improve the quality of life through the power of food. We thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

As we close the chapter on 2024, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished and grateful for the chefs and sponsors who have supported us. Together, we continue to uphold the standards that define the American Master Chefs’ Order. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!