ACE Conference Center News & Events

ACE Conference Center is proud to introduce our new Executive Chef, Chris Stevens!

Christopher Stevens, Executive Chef of Wolfgang Puck Catering in Philadelphia, discovered his passion for the culinary arts while experimenting with a cast iron pan, spatula and two eggs at the age of four.  By the time he turned thirteen, Chris knew that he was destined to become a chef and immerse himself in the world of food.  As our new Executive Chef, Chef Chris oversees all culinary operations and catering services for the ACE Conference Center.

BIOGRAPHY AND CULINARY CAREER

Chris’ culinary career officially began after he completed his education at the renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He also accomplished special training with Certified Master Chef Ed Jano in Garde Manager, where he attained instruction in Ice Sculpting and Advanced Italian Cuisine.  In order to fulfill his culinary education, Chef Stevens accepted an internship with world-renown Chef René Mettler at the Hyatt Waikoloa in Hawaii.

With intensive training from very talented chefs, Chris flew to Aspen, Colorado where he worked at the famous Poppies Bistro Café.  Within two years the restaurant attained Four Stars.  Chef Stevens’ career has since been shaped by experiences at numerous restaurants and catering companies along the East Coast:  Executive Chef at Cherry Calley Country Club in Skillman, New Jersey; Chef and Owner of the Casabona Restaurant in Princeton, New Jersey; Chef and Owner of La Mezzlauna  Restaurant; and Executive Chef of the Paris Catering Company based in Princeton, New Jersey.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Chef Chris has received accolades for his talents, including 1998 recognition as the New Jersey Chef of the Year by the Chaine des Rotisseurs, and honors from the American Culinary Federation for participation in both the James Beard Awards
and the Governor’s Inauguration Ball.  He has written articles featured in Bloomberg News and Life of a Chef.  Chef Chris Stevens has had the opportunity to personally cook for celebrities including Cher, Chevy Chase, Bill Walton, Bill Joel and celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio.

THE WOLFGANG PUCK FAMILY

Chef Chris Stevens is now a part of the Wolfgang Puck Team.  Wolfgang Puck Catering, founded in 1998, continues to set the standard for culinary excellence, bringing our team’s legendary combination of innovative cuisine and refined service to the worlds’ most renowned and demanding corporate, cultural and entertainment settings. Delivering a restaurant-quality experience in a special event setting, Wolfgang’s experienced team caters intimate weddings, convention galas, family occasions, and such noteworthy events as the Academy Awards® Governors Ball.  In keeping with Wolfgang’s culinary passion, Wolfgang’s Eat, Love, Live ™ (WELL™) philosophy is a commitment to provide fresh, natural and organic ingredients and celebrate local farmers, sustainable seafood and humanely
treated animals.  Wolfgang Puck Catering co-founded the Seafood Savvy Program with the Georgia Aquarium, inspired by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to raise awareness about the importance of buying seafood from sustainable sources.  For additional
information, visit wolfgangpuckcatering.com.

Tags: Chef Chris Stevens, Food & Beverage, Philadelphia Event Venues, philadelphia weddings, Wolfgang Puck Catering

This past Friday, the employees of the ACE Conference Center celebrated “Bring Your Child to Work Day” with over 15 employees and their children participating.  The idea behind the day is to give our employees’ sons and daughters a glimpse of the working world. While bring your child to work day began with a focus on empowering girls, most workplaces nowadays welcome boys and girls equally for inspiration and information.

Some of the highlights of the Bring Your Child to Work Day here at ACE:  All of the kids were given a tour of the golf course at our sister property, the ACE Club.  Not only did they get a chance to tour the gorgeous rolling hills, ponds and creeks that surround the golf course but they got to do it in golf carts!  The Golf Pro, Executive Chef and caddies all came out to speak with the kids about the golf club and what it takes to maintain the golf course for the members.  No tour would be complete without some play time on the course itself!  The kids were given putters to try their hand on the putting green before everyone headed up to the main hotel and conference center.

After their busy morning at the golf club, the kids were given a behind-the-scenes tour of ACE Conference Center, particularly the herb and vegetable gardens as well as the kitchen.  Once at the kitchen, they all were instructed on how to make their own Wolfgang Puck Catering pizzas for lunch!The Executive Catering Chef, Chris Stevens, had all kinds of delicious vegetables, meats and cheeses available for the kids to use to make their own personal pizzas.  But first, they would have to make their own pizza dough! Including learning to toss it in the air!

After lunch the kids were taught by our dedicated Housekeeping Department how to make a swan towel fold.

Although one of the hottest days on record, Bring Your Child to Work Day was a fun day of bonding between the parents and their children.

Tags: Employee Events, Kid Activities, kids parties, Philadelphia Event Venues, Pizza Stations

The ACE Conference Center announces the retirement of Ruth Fleming, Director of Housekeeping, after 20 years of wonderful service and inspiration. Cleanliness is one of the most important features a hotel can offer its guests and we thank Ruth for her dedication, efficiency and hard work.  A devoted and loyal employee, Ruth is adored by the entire ACE Team and she will be sorely missed.   We wish her good health and sunny days! 

Tags: back of the house, housekeeping duties, retirement, service issues

General Manager, Daniel Briones, proudly recognizes employees Emmarie Garcia and  Michael Doorly as individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the ACE Conference Center.   Both outstanding employees have far exceeded expectations in providing services and support of superior quality.   We’re truly inspired to work with them everyday and are honored to have them on the ACE Team.   Congratulations!

Manager of the Year – Michael Doorly, Assistant Chief Engineer

Employee of the Year – Emmarie Garcia, Front Desk Attendant

Tags: employee awards, hospitality, staff recognition