Question:
What is a Certified Master Chef and how many are there?
—From our website
CMC Gustav Mauler of Spiedini in Las Vegas is one of 62 Certified Master Chefs.
Answer:
There are currently only 62 Certified Master Chef’s, as designated after rigorous testing by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), and 13 Certified Master Pastry Chefs. It’s a designation any chef would wear with pride. According to the ACF website, certification demonstrates skill, knowledge and professionalism to the food service industry. Here are the descriptions provided:
Certified Master Chef® (CMC®): The consummate chef. A CMC possesses the highest degree of professional culinary knowledge, skill and mastery of cooking techniques. A separate application is required, in addition to successfully completing an eight-day testing process judged by peers.
Certified Master Pastry Chef® (CMPC®): A CMPC possesses the highest degree of professional knowledge, skill and mastery of cooking techniques as they apply to baking and pastry. A separate application is required, in addition to successfully completing an 8-day testing process judged by peers.
The American Culinary Federation (ACF) was established in 1929 and is the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America.
