Bert P. Cutino Professional Chef Scholarship Fund

This scholarship program was created by the American Culinary Federation Monterey Bay Chapter in honor of renowned Chef, Bert Cutino. The mission of the fund is to educate and inspire local chefs with new techniques and knowledge to enhance their contributions to the culinary field and community.

Scholarships are designed for existing Chefs, Sous Chefs or aspiring experienced cooks in a Supervisory/Lead Cook position, with approval from their Chefs, for continuing educational opportunities.

About Bert Cutino

Born in Monterey, Chef Cutino is a Certified Executive Chef, Food Manager and World Certified Master Chef (WACS). He is the co-founder of the internationally famous Sardine Factory Restaurant and the Cannery Row Management Co. and other companies, now including five hotels. Bert is Co-Founder of Rancho Cielo’s Drummond Culinary Academy and Co-Chairman of it’s annual fundraiser as well as Founder of the Culinary Classique benefiting Meals on Wheels. Chef Bert Cutino’s ability to bring chefs together, putting them in the limelight, adding to their own notoriety and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to sustain these programs is not just commendable, it’s remarkable.

He has numerous local, regional and national accomplishments, awards and accolades including:

• Part of the International Culinary “Olympics” with his own team from California in 1988. Appointed Protocol Chairman of the U.S. Culinary Team in 1992.
• Co-founder of the ACF Chef & Child Foundation
• Founder Meals on Wheels Culinary Classique, which has raised $3.5 million since inception. His concept is now being used in other states.
• Recipient of 2003 & 2015 “The Giving Tree Award” from Meals on Wheels for his generosity and involvement in building a better community.
• Co-founder the Drummond Culinary Academy at Rancho Cielo, Salinas, California. He co-chairs the annual Culinary Roundup which raises $450,000 each year.
• Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Academy of Chefs, its highest recognition, in 2006
• Past board member of the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation, which represents Certified Master Sommeliers around the country
• Received “Citizen of the Year” award from Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and “President’s Award” from Monterey Peninsula College
• Initiated bill #1850 which funded $11,000,000 for the culinary art’s programs in community colleges in California.
• Honored with first Cutting-Edge Award by the American Culinary Federation in 2012 for his contributions to the Drummond Culinary Academy
• Received World Certified Master Chef certification by the World Association of Chefs Societies in 2014

About the Scholarship

• Applicants must live or work in the Monterey Bay Tri County area or be an American Culinary Federation (ACF) Monterey Bay Chapter member no matter where they live.
• Scholarship may be available from approved businesses, organizations or educational programs including:
  – Culinary educational events and shows
  – National or local ACF cooking classes, lectures or online webinars
  – Cooking demonstrations or participation in hands-on classes
• Additional criteria include: need, experience, personal goals, future plans, accomplishments, event participation, two letters of recommendation, ACF certification, years of experience, resume.

The application will open January 25, 2025 with the due date of April 15, 2025.