President's Message Jan. 2026
- Epicurean Club of Boston
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
President’s Message — January 2026
Tim Foley, HAAC
President, ACF Epicurean Club of Boston
January 1, 2026
The Epicurean Club of Boston and I would like to wish you and your families a happy and healthy New Year!
This is the time of year for setting goals, reflecting on our accomplishments, and formulating a plan to move the club forward. We had a very successful year in 2025 and look forward to continuing that momentum into the new year.
2025 Recap
We had an outstanding year, highlighted by several memorable events and achievements:
We held our first Veterans Day Dinner at Post 74 in Natick, serving 135 veterans a gourmet dinner in celebration of their service.
Our December Toys for Tots initiative was a great success. This year, we partnered with My Brother’s Table, donating all toys and providing 50 unhoused guests with filled backpacks. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
The Jimmy DiMarzio Scholarship Golf Outing was another tremendous success. Thank you, Jimmy, for your continued dedication.
National Awards & Honors
We proudly congratulate the following chefs on their national achievements:
Chef Rico DiFronzo – Inducted into the Hall of Fame
Chef Denise Graffeo – Lifetime Achievement Award
Chef Kevin Doherty – Northeast L.J. Minors Award
Chef James DiMarzio – President’s Medallion
Chef Tony Le – Cutting-Edge Award
Congratulations to all!
2026 Calendar Highlights
Our 2026 calendar is taking shape, with many exciting opportunities for culinary enrichment ahead.
January 19
Our first meeting of the year will be hosted by Boston Kabobs
📍 146 Lexington St., Waltham, MA
The evening will feature an exceptional Mediterranean presentation and dinner. Please join us as we also swear in the new board.
February 16
Joint meeting with ACF New Hampshire at Tuscan Grill
More details coming soon.
March 16
Produce Connection will host our March educational meeting
📍 96 Audubon Rd., Wakefield, MA 01880
We look forward to a great evening of learning and camaraderie.
April 20
We are fine-tuning details for the 4th Annual Leon Roberge / Smithfield Competition, featuring five ACF chapters competing for chapter honors.
April will also include the 4th Annual Assabet Region Burger Challenge with Chef Lou Trudeau at:📍 Assabet Regional High School, 215 Fitchburg St., Marlboro, MA
📣 Calling all Epicurean chefs: We are seeking two chefs to compete.
Please visit the ECB website calendar for full details on upcoming events.
Community Outreach
On December 23, I was proud to be joined by Chefs John Disessa, Jimmy DiMarzio, Jim Boyd, John Lawrence, Rico DiFronzo, Eric LeBlanc, and Terry Burns at My Brother’s Table in Lynn, MA.
Together, we prepared 45 trays of homemade lasagna, summer squash, and tomato sauce, helping feed 1,100 members of the city’s unhoused population for Christmas dinner. Thank you all for your generosity and commitment.
Thank You to Our Supporters
To all our purveyors, thank you for your unwavering support of the Epicurean Club of Boston. Your dedication to our profession and encouragement of young culinarians is deeply appreciated.
To our members, please remember to support and take care of our friends and partners.
January Culinary Fun Facts
January is National Tea, Oatmeal, Soup, and Baking Month
Best foods to enjoy in January include: Dark leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and citrus fruits
Don’t forget:
January 4 – National Spaghetti Day
January 7 – National Tempura Day
Bon Appétit!
As always, remember, don’t sweat the small stuff. Be the chef you have always dreamed about.
— Warm regards,
Tim Foley, HAAC
774-270-4828
