History
The first Baron H. Galand Knowledge Bowl competition was held at the American Culinary Federation National Convention in Washington, D.C., in 1992. Based on the brainchild of Carol Kelly, a member of the Nation’s Capital Chefs’ Association and a culinary instructor, she used the competition format as a way of testing her vocational high school students. The competition was patterned after the popular ’60s TV show “GE College Bowl.” Initially, the competition was strictly a national event with only a handful of teams competing. It has come a long way since then. In 1997, the California Culinary Academy committed itself to financial sponsorship and added regional competitions for the first time. All winners are now awarded ACF competition medals to recognize the dedication and knowledge required to compete successfully in this event.
Competition
The competition is open to teams from ACF chapters, ACF apprenticeship programs and accredited American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission institutions. Teams compete at their respective ACF Regional Conference Knowledge Bowl competition. The team winners of the regional Knowledge Bowl competitions advance to the ACF National Convention to compete against each other. Team member requirements are:
- Five active ACF junior members (includes one alternate), at the time of application and throughout the competition.
- One alternate is allowed in case another team member is unable to participate.
- No team member can play on more than one team during the competition.
- One team member designated as team captain.
- Each team must have a designated coach.
- Currently enrolled in an accredited or certified ACFFAC program.
- Less than four years of professional cooking or baking experience.
- Professional-level certification not higher than a certified chef or pastry chef.
- Has not participated in the competition for more than two years total.
Joining the Nicholls Team
Nicholls Knowledge Bowl Team tryouts are held in September. The institute uses an orally administered test, and the students with the top five scores are asked to join the team. The team begins to conduct research and practice before the Christmas holidays, and then team members vote amongst themselves who will be team captain, team members (3) and the alternate. The team has also had a student coach in the past.
