The Honorable Order of the Golden Toque recently inducted chef Dean Corbett, owner and chef of Corbett's, An American Place, Equus Restaurant and Jack's Lounge in Louisville, Ky., as a member at its 47th annual meeting. The Honorable Order is the highest recognition a chef can receive in the United States. Faculty members of Sullivan University were on hand to congratulate chef Corbett. Sullivan University's National Center for Hospitality Studies director Tom Hickey, who is also the Grand Commander of the Order, was also present.

(l to r) Chef Tom Hickey, Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies director and Grand Commander of The Honorable Order of the Golder Toque; Al Sullivan, Sullivan University chancellor; chef Dean Corbett, owner and chef of Corbett's, An American Place, Equus Restaurant and Jack's Lounge; chef David Dodd, associate director of National Center for Hospitality Studies; chef Derek Spendlove, Sullivan University baking and pastry arts department chair

Corbett was one of six chefs to be inducted last month in Frankenmuth, Mich. The ceremony took place at Zehnder's Restaurant, the largest family-owned restaurant in the country serving more than a million covers each year. The Honorable Order of the Golden Toque has a membership restriction of only 100 lifetime active members. Chefs may not apply for membership; they must be nominated by at least three active members. They are then put through a screening process which is held by the Acceptance Committee, which includes past Grand Commanders, Grand Commander and the Board of Directors. Final membership must be decided by all members at the annual meeting.

Originally founded in France by chef Pierre Berard, the Golden Toque was brought to the United States in 1961. It was established to recognize skillful chefs who have at least 20 years executive chef experience, have achieved professional accomplishments, have an interest in professional progress and are devoted to the culinary profession and arts.