MARQUETTE -- It's a chance for U.P. chefs to recognize one another for their culinary achievements.  And this year, the American Culinary Federation's Upper Michigan Chapter awarded Nathan Mileski, the Executive Chef at NMU, the "Chef of the Year" award.
    
It's the third time he's received the distinction.
    
The honor is awarded to a chef that continually promotes the culinary profession and helps educate others.

"It's quite the honor to win this award.  Even it being the third time, I think this time is even more special to me than the previous two just because of where I'm at in my career," said Mileski.  "This time it's being at the same level as the guys that trained me and supported me throughout the past 15 years."

The American Culinary Federation is the largest professional chefs' organization in North America.
    
There are more than 20,000 members nationwide.