Chef Scott Ryan is U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year

The Executive Chef at The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio won the American Culinary Federation’s highest distinction after besting three competitors in a one-hour competition that featured flatiron steak.

Chef Scott Ryan of The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio, now holds the title of the U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year, the highest distinction bestowed by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Ryan competed in the national round after taking home the Northeast Regional Chef of the Year award at the ACF Northeast Regional Conference in April, which C&RB covered (“Chef Scott Ryan Brings Home Northeast Region Chef of the Year Honor“).

At the national competition, Ryan and his apprentices beat out three other culinary teams in a one-hour competition featuring flatiron steak. Ryan’s winning dishes included:

• Beef Tartar with Foie Gras and Avocado – Lime Puree;
• a Meatball stuffed with Ricotta Cheese, Apricot, Arugula and Tomato, then napped with Truffle Oil;
• a Pho Bowl with Raw Peppercorn Beef and a hot Ginger Consume;
• and finally, a Chimichurri Flatiron Steak prepared sous vide with Chorizo Risotto, Sweet Corn Pudding Croquettes, Cilantro Glazed Carrots and Salsa Verde.

“It is an honor to be chosen as Chef of the Year,” Ryan said. “I am truly blessed to have an amazing culinary, service and management team at the club, as well as friends and colleagues. Our membership is very supportive of our culinary program and deserves just as much credit for allowing us to have fun at work every day. It is rewarding to see that with hard work and dedication, anyone’s dreams are achievable.”

Ryan competed against close friend and former employee Master Chef Brian Beland, Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage at the Country Club of Detroit.

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award,” said Robert Josey, General Manager of The Country Club. “Chef Scott has worked hard to raise the culinary bar at The Country Club and our members have responded with record usage of the dining facilities. We are thrilled to have Chef Scott and his team recognized for all of their outstanding accomplishments.”

Ryan celebrated the win with his wife Lauren at Disney World, but had to return to the club shortly thereafter, to prepare to host the 2012 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship on August 3.

Tags: ACF American Culinary Federation brian beland Chef Scott Ryan Country Club of Detroit northeast regional chef of the year Pepper Pike Ohio robert josey The Country Club u.s. women’s amateur championship u.s.a.’s chef of the year