This year’s award season earned another first this weekend, when Kareen “Chef Coco” Linton became the first woman inducted into the National Black Chef’s Association Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Professional Chef’s Award in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at York House, 5325 Old York Road.  An entrepreneur, designer and advocate for culinary education, Chef Coco’s career spans thirty years.  A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, member of the prestigious order of Disciples d’ Escoffier International USA and a current chef educator at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Chef Coco continues to receive recognition for her unique contributions to the culinary world.

“Chef Coco not only wore it best, with one of her own designs from her signature line of chef coats that will be unveiled at the American Culinary Federation’s national convention this summer, she was the only one on the ballot for us,” says Chef Bernard Tally, National Black Chef’s Association founder and president. “Her contributions in the culinary community, industry and her work with students and young culinarians is unparalleled. She’s truly a role model for those starting out and continues to share her culinary and creative gifts with those around her.”

“We couldn’t imagine a more worthy chef inductee for the Hall of Fame honor and congratulate Chef Coco,” says Tracy Lorenz Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts president and CEO.  “Her dedication to culinary education and creative approach is contagious, she’s an inspiration to us all.”