NEW YORK — The American Culinary Federation has recognized chef Paul Sorgule as a recipient of the ACF Presidential Medallion for lifetime achievement, the highest honor bestowed by the ACF National President and presented this year by Chef Rene Marquis.

This distinction is reserved for individuals nominated only by the ACF executive board or the executive director and honors those whose influence has shaped both the culinary federation and the modern culinary profession itself. Chef Sorgule’s career spans over four decades in the industry and more than 30 years of dedicated service to the ACF.

Be it through his educational leadership, 26 years as dean of culinary arts at Paul Smith’s College, vice president at the New England Culinary Institute, and author of influential works on culinary professionalism, to his competitive and professional accolades, Sorgule’s impact is remarkable. His achievements include a Culinary Olympic gold medal (1988) as a member of the New England Culinary Team, being named ACF National Culinary Educator of the Year (2001), cooking at the James Beard House (2008), and recognition as a CAFE Champion for advancing hospitality education. He is also a member of the American Academy of Chefs.

Sorgule continues to contribute through his regular writings in the ACF National Culinary Review and his “Harvest America Cues” blog, ensuring his culinary wisdom guides future generations. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he has also been awarded lifetime membership in the American Culinary Federation.

Christopher Tanner, executive director of the American Culinary Federation, says chef Paul Sorgule is the epitome of excellence and is honored to recognize him with this prestigious award.

In the later part of his career, Sorgule served as executive chef at Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake Inn where he and his team earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for the View Restaurant. Since 2012, Sorgule has served as an industry consultant with the firm that he founded: Harvest America Ventures. He is the author of two novels, the most recent, “A Cook on the Run,” was released in March of 2025.

Sorgule has lived in Saranac Lake since 1976 with his wife of 50 years, Sharon, where they raised their three children.