Mario R. Casarez of Oakhurst, has earned the certified sous chef™ (CSC™) designation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Inc. Casarez is sous chef, at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite contracted through Delaware North Companies, Fish Camp, and a member of ACF Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, Inc.

ACF operates the only comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States and currently certifies nearly 9,000 professionals worldwide. Candidates for ACF certification must have a high level of work and educational experience, and pass both a written and practical examination. In addition, candidates must complete coursework in food safety, nutrition and supervisory management.

A CSC™ is a chef who supervises a shift or station in a food service operation. A CSC™ must supervise a minimum of two full-time employees in the preparation of food, and pass a 100-question written exam and a practical exam. During the practical exam, chefs are evaluated on practical skill, proficiency in food safety and sanitation, organization, cooking skills and culinary technique. The exam is two hours and candidates are evaluated on their preparation and presentation of a meal with various vegetables, rice palif, salad, strip steak and fish. Job titles that qualify for this designation include sous chef, banquet chef, garde manger, first cook, a.m. sous chef and p.m. sous chef.