Greetings Fellow Culinarians,
Recently the ACF, and specifically the ACF Central FL chapter, lost one of its most beloved members, Chef Joe Amendola.
To most of us, he was “Chef Joe”. His background and credentials were beyond reproach. He was a true gentleman who had the ability to make all of those around him feel comfortable. When Joe came into the room, no matter where it was, you had the feeling that it was an event. His ever present smile and firm handshake was a trademark that I will always remember.
Joe had the uncanny ability to remember everyone, if only by sight. He knew if you were a CIA graduate. I will never forget the first time I ran into him at a chapter meeting shortly after moving to Central FL. I of course made a beeline toward him to re-introduce myself and say hello. I never got the chance. The first words out of Joe’s mouth were, “Hello Roger from New Haven”. I almost fell over. Keep in mind the CIA left New Haven in 1974, I left much earlier.
Chef Joe’s career was one that most people dream about. Traveling around the country and world, teaching his passion to all those who wanted to learn.
We are fortunate in that no matter how much or how far Joe traveled, he always came home to Central FL, to his family, and to his friends.
I personally will miss our one on one conversations. Sometimes they were serious, but most times just conversations between friends. I learned a few life lessons from Joe that I will never forget.
Chef, you will be missed by all, God bless.
