USDA and CCA build world-class culinary training facility

Good news for culinary students and cooking enthusiasts. Although world-class culinary education in overseas schools does not come cheap, the most recent partnership of the United States Department of Agriculture and Center for Culinary Arts, Manila will allow more Filipino culinary students to have access to the best culinary education using the latest equipment.

Recognizing that food and the customs associated with it are an important aspect of the Filipino way of life, the Filipino American Heritage Foundation was set up by the USDA to institutionalize and strengthen ties between the Philippines and the United States through food. As a partnership between US and Filipino food industry trade groups, the purpose of the foundation is to highlight the rich Filipino culinary heritage using US agricultural products. Likewise, the project seeks to elevate the level of expertise in the local food industry. The dream is to develop the project to make the Philippines an important hub of culinary education in the region.

With the reputable Center for Culinary Arts (CCA), Manila as partner, the USDA provided equipment for a 62-seat fully equipped training facility built in the CCA premises in Katipunan, Quezon City. Aside from state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, the training kitchen also includes two 42-inch plasma television sets, three video cameras, theater surround-sound system, and an audio-visual booth for better-quality cooking demonstrations. The kitchen will be managed by CCA Manila and run by a group of Filipino chefs and professionals collectively known as the USDA Council of Chefs and Professionals (COCP) in behalf of USDA Manila and CCA Manila. Expert culinary instruction will be provided by some of the Philippines’ most respected chefs. These include Heny Sison, Dennis Hipolito, Jill Sandique, Jane Paredes, Reggie Aspiras, Gene and Gino Gonzales, Fernando Aracama, J Gamboa, Gene Cordova, Roberto Francisco, Junjun de Guzman, Thad Gayanelo and CCA Manila chef instructors James Antolin, Mike Borja, and Ria Mariano Lingad.

The recent opening of the US Demo Kitchen was graced by American Ambassador Kristie Kenney, and was well attended by food and culinary aficionados. A baking demonstration conducted by international guest chef Fred Pfister and Jill Sandique kicked off the baking and pastry modules held in October and November.

For inquiries on classes and schedules, call Synergy Asia at 543-8223 and 543-8534. Although classes are free, pre-registration is required.