MARQUETTE, MI— The executive chef with NMU Dining has been selected Culinarian of the Year by the Upper Peninsula Chapter of the American Culinary Federation.
Derek Estes achieved Certified Executive Chef status from the ACF one year ago. He previously served as operations manager for Northern Center catering events.
Estes says to receive the award, nominees must do a certain number of community events, follow the culinarian code of honoring food and past techniques while bringing forth new techniques, and educate and nurture others.
Because he was selected, Estes says he’ll develop a five-course menu paired with wine and NMU will host the next dinner of the U.P. ACF chapter in June.
