Houston Convention 2002
Golden Whisk Awards Brunch
Sambuca Jazz Café 

It is with great pride that we announce the ~Personal Chef of the Year~ award at Personal Chefs Network. This award was voted upon by the membership at Personal Chefs Network and the Network Advisory Council. The Personal Chef of the Year exemplifies everything our organization stands for, personifying what each of us strive for. This member exhibits personal participation in our membership forums, has an up to date webpage, is active in Personal Chefs Network area gatherings, shares recipes, has completed at least one year of membership at Personal Chefs Network, and has a long list of satisfied clients with a waiting list. 

This year’s winner was one of our very first members at Personal Chefs Network and she has been more than willing to help us grow in many unseen ways. It was our true honor to bestow our 1st Annual Golden Whisk Award™ to 

Personal Chef Lynn Umstead
“At Your Table” In-Home Cooking Service
Greensboro, NC.
www.pcnchef.com/atyourtable
ALUmstead@aol.com 

Lynn’s Acceptance Speech:

First of all, I would like to say that I am so very sorry not to be there in person! Family vacation plans and previously scheduled cook dates made it impossible for me to come to Houston for this year’s convention. I know you all have had a great time and have learned a lot – the agenda sounded so great – I really hate that I missed the learning and being there with all of you. There is no substitute for connecting face to face. I clearly remember meeting folks last year in New Orleans at the 2001 Personal Chefs Network Convention that I had spoken to and communicated with over the internet, long distance phone calls, and through the Personal Chefs Network forums. It was such a thrill meeting and talking with members in person for the first time…Norie, Brent, Pat, Donna, Rivka, Sharon, Gretchen, Lois, Tammy, Martha, and Ina to name a few! We have such an opportunity to learn from one another and to fine-tune our craft through our affiliation with PCN. One of the most special things about our industry is our ability to help one another and ensure each others’ success. I have had the privilege of assisting many up and coming personal chefs now and I have to tell you it is really gratifying to be an instrument to another human being’s success. I encourage all of you to mentor other PC’s if you have the opportunity. It is a great experience. I am forever indebted to fellow member, Maureen Murphy-Bangert of Raleigh, NC for allowing me to learn from her by shadowing her on a cook date 3 years ago when I first heard of personal cheffing. That one day with Maureen changed the course of my life – I knew immediately after watching what she did for just one day, that this was the career for me! I am so humbled to receive Personal Chef of the Year, for three reasons. First and foremost, it is an honor bestowed upon me by my peers, who I admire and respect enormously and have learned so much from. To be selected by YOU in an honor beyond measure. Secondly, it comes through an organization I hold in such high esteem; indeed, “At your Table In-Home Cooking Service” would not be the successful business it is today without the help and continued support I have received from PCN. Lastly, to be singled out for doing something I love to do and would be doing even if it were not my livelihood is just unbelievable. Honestly, I am so touched, not to mention surprised! Thank you all so much for thinking of me and honoring me and my work in this way. You will never know how much it means to me. 

Your friend, Lynn

Click Here for Recipes from Personal Chef Lynn Umstead!

Lynn stirring the pot!	In a client's kitchen!
Lynn taking a break by some of her fresh herbs!	Loading up on cheffing day!
Lynn's clients benefit from her fresh herb garden!	A proud member of the Personal Chefs Network!