Bear Mountain's Executive Chef Michael Matarazzo Named American Culinary Federation U.S.A.'s Chef of the Year

BEAR MOUNTAIN, N.Y., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Bear Mountain State Park is proud to announce that Executive Chef Michael Matarazzo has been named the American Culinary Federation, Inc., (ACF) U.S.A.'s  Chef of the Year for 2010.

The ACF U.S.A.'s Chef of the Year award recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person demonstrates the highest standard of culinary skills, advances the cuisine of America and gives back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices. This year's competition was held in Anaheim, CA; Chef Michael, who had been designated ACF Northeast Region Chef of the year in March, 2010, competed against three other regional winners, and has earned the right to compete in the 2011 ACF Chef of the Americas competition in Canada.

Chef Matarazzo's winning menu comprised Six Onion Soup with Braised Duck Leg and Parmesan Lace; Pan Seared Halibut with Sauce Provencal, Ragout of Roasted Corn, Leeks, and Fennel, Sauteed Broccoli Rabe, Saffron Potatoes, Clam and Chorizo Croquette and Chive Beurre Blanc; and Duo of Veal: Prosciutto-Wrapped Loin of Veal stuffed with Foie Gras, Creamed Cabbage, and Mushrooms, Braised Veal Sweetbreads, Sweet Pea Risotto, Crispy Sweetbreads, Sauteed Spinach, Summer Vegetables, and Sweetbread Jus.

"We are so proud of Chef Mike," said Guest Services' Executive Chef, Fred Raynaud.  "His dedication to the profession and commitment to culinary excellence is a model to us all."  Barry Trice, Vice President of Guest Services' Hospitality Division added, "Chef Mike is a consummate professional and has proven he is one of the nation's emerging culinary talents."

The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. The ACF is the culinary leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and accreditation and operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States. ACF is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the United States in major international culinary competitions, and to the Chef & Child Foundation, founded in 1989 to promote proper nutrition in children and combat childhood obesity.

Bear Mountain State Park, managed by Guest Services, Inc., contains a recently renovated 24-room lodge, four stone cottages with six bedrooms, and over 5,000 square feet of meeting, conference and event space at the Overlook Lodge, Cliff House and Merry-Go-Round Pavilion. Activities for all ages and interests are available onsite, including boat rentals, playing fields, picnic groves, a swimming pool, nature trails, the Trailside Museum and Zoo, Perkins Tower, and Merry-Go-Round. The park also hosts many summer events including live bands, classic car shows, fireworks, and movies under the stars.  

The historic Bear Mountain Inn is currently undergoing extensive renovation to bring it back to its original splendor. At the completion of the renovations, the Inn will offer 15 luxury suites, spa, a vintage restaurant, over 20,000 square feet of meeting and catering space, the Nineteen Fifteen Cafe, and the Bear Mountain Trading Company.

For more information about Bear Mountain Inn, visit www.visitbearmountain.com or call (845)786-2731.

SOURCE Bear Mountain Inn at Bear Mountain State Park