« All NewsTaking a Bite out of the Competition: Lexington Medical Center Executive Chef is Chef of the Year
February 12, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Midlands chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) has named Lexington Medical Center executive chef Jim Lassiter its Chef of the Year. Lassiter supervises food preparation and service for the Sunset Cafe, Park Cafe, Doctors' Lounge, Child Development Center, inpatient meals and hospital catering.
Each year, members of the ACF select a Chef of the Year based on contributions to the organization and the community. To qualify for the award, the recipient must be a member in the ACF and participate in volunteer activities such as the Chef and Child program, which teaches proper nutrition to elementary school children.
"I fully support the ACF, and if they need volunteers, I am happy to serve," said Lassiter. "I truly enjoy doing it."
Other volunteer activities include participating/judging cooking competitions, helping the community with food preparation needs and working with non-profit groups such as Harvest Hope Food Bank. Lassiter has been a member of the ACF since 1996 and has served as its secretary for three years.
The ACF is an organization of chefs and cooks that promotes culinary education at all levels and encourages the growth of professional chefs and the foodservice industry. It has more than 22,000 members at 230 chapters in four regions across the U.S. The Midlands chapter has 63 members.
Lexington Medical Center has received national attention for its menus, including its Better Choices eating campaign, which encourages patients and hospital employees to eat healthy through improved menu choices and education.
And Lassiter is no stranger to cooking awards. He won the Premier Culinary Creation Contest in 2001 and a bronze medal at the Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Supply Show in 2008.
Lexington Medical Center, in West Columbia, S.C., anchors a county-wide health care network that includes six community medical centers throughout Lexington County and employs a staff of 5,200 health care professionals. The network also includes the largest extended care facility in the Carolinas, two occupational health centers and more than 40 physician practices. At its heart is the 414-bed state-of-the-art Lexington Medical Center, with a reputation for the highest quality care. Lexington Medical Center won "Best Hospital" by readers of The State for ten years in a row, "Best Hospital" by readers of the Free Times, "Best Place to Have a Baby" by readers of Palmetto Parent, the "Consumer Choice Award" from the National Research Corporation and the prestigious "Summit Award" from Press Ganey.
