“I’d like to thank Chef Tom Hickey, Chef David Dodd and Sullivan University for nominating me. As a new inductee I am honored to be associated with this prestigious organization.“ -- Chef Derek Spendlove

Congratulations to Chef Instructor Derek Spendlove, a recent inductee into the Golden Toque Society.

The Honorable Order of the Golden Toque was originally founded in France and brought to the United States by Chef Pierre Berard. The “Golden Toque,” which means golden chef’s hat, is presented to those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of the culinary profession, and its members are recognized for their culinary accomplishments. It is the most prestigious recognition a chef can receive.

Professional chef, educator, food writer and mentor, Chef Derek Spendlove, is Chair of the Baking & Pastry Arts Program at Sullivan University. Trained in the traditional European technique, he earned his City and Guild examination in Culinary Arts and Hotel Management. An ACF Certified Executive Pastry Chef, Certified Culinary Educator and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Chefs, Chef Spendlove was named the 2002 American Culinary Federation Educator of the Year. In 2006, he received the prestigious Chef Professionalism Award and also received the Kentucky Chefs Association’s Chef of the Year award.  

As an avid competitor in culinary competition, he has successfully competed in numerous events held in Holland, UK, Germany, and Ireland. In 1988, Chef Spendlove represented Ireland on the national team in the Culinary Olympics, and received a gold medal in Frankfort, Germany.

Chef Derek Spendlove, CEPC, CCE, AAC and Chair of the  Baking & Pastry Arts Department, holding his plaque, with fellow Golden Toque  members, left to right, Chef Instructor David Dodd, MBE, CEC, CCE; Dr. A.R. Sullivan, Chancellor of Sullivan University; and Chef Tom Hickey, CEC, CCE, CFE, CHE, Director of the National Center for Hospitality Studies.