The ACF Culinary Team USA left its mark at the 2024 IKA Culinary Olympics, which took place from February 2nd to 7th in Stuttgart, Germany. Recognized worldwide as the summit of international culinary contests, the event, officially known as the Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung (IKA), draws the globe’s elite chefs and pastry chefs, providing them a stage to demonstrate their culinary mastery.

Team USA’s achievements at the Culinary Olympics were noteworthy, securing two silver medals in a competitive field. This accomplishment highlights the team’s skills and creativity while placing the United States on the international culinary map.

The significant presence of club chefs on Team USA shines a spotlight on the club sector as a vibrant arena for culinary creativity and technical prowess. The team’s journey to the Culinary Olympics and their success in securing two silver medals illustrate the high standards and commitment to excellence prevalent in club kitchens across the United States.

The 2024 team was made up of the following chefs:

• Logan Christensen, CEC, Executive Chef of St. Louis Country Club, (St. Louis, Mo.);
• Dan Holtgrave, CEC, team captain and Executive Chef of Old Warson Country Club (St. Louis, Mo.),
• Ted Polfelt, CEC, CCA, AAC, Executive Chef of Roanoke Country Club (Roanoke, Va.);
• Timothy Recher, CEC, AAC, Executive Chef of Frenchman’s Creek Beach and Country Club, (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.);
• James K. Storm, Sous Chef of St. Louis Country Club (St. Louis. Mo.)
• Troman Avenido Felizmenio, team pastry chef from Waldorf Astoria (Palm Desert, Calif.); and
• Shane Wilder, team sous chef

Timothy Recher, who will present at the 2024 Chef to Chef Conference, reflected on his experience and emphasized the unique opportunity and honor of representing the club industry on such a prestigious platform.

“Being a part of Team USA has easily been the highlight of my career,” says Recher, underscoring the profound personal and professional growth the competition offers. “My teammates, coaches, and advisors are not only the best chefs I have ever worked with, but they also are incredible people, and I know we will be friends for the rest of our lives.”

Recher was directly responsible for the vegan appetizer from the Chef’s Table during the competition, which consisted of butternut squash and almond milk supreme, squash vinaigrette, chili relish, pickled mushrooms, and savory crumble. This dish and the rest of the team’s menu for the Restaurant of Nations showcased the innovative spirit and culinary excellence that Team USA brought to the competition.

The ACF Culinary Team USA’s performance at the 2024 IKA Culinary Olympics celebrates the exceptional skills and achievements of chefs and marks a significant moment in recognizing the club industry as a leading force in the global culinary arena. As these chefs return to their respective clubs, they carry with them not just accolades but a reaffirmed belief in the potential and excellence of club cuisine, setting a new benchmark for culinary innovation and excellence.