New courses at First Gourmet Academy

MANILA, Philippines - First Gourmet Academy is now accepting applicants to its Certificate Short Courses to give cooking enthusiasts the chance to become masters of their own kitchens.

Every Thursday from Sept. 10 to Oct. 29, First Gourmet will hold a course on Fundamentals of Culinary Arts. After eight sessions of hands-on training by the school’s experienced instructors headed by Swedish chef Mats Loo, students will be equipped with the knowledge and the ability to become semi-professionals or recreational chefs. The Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry is perfect for those whose passion is baking and creating luscious desserts. The intricacies and techniques of European dishes, meanwhile, will be the focus of the Short Course on European Cuisines to be held every Wednesday from Sept. 2 to 23.   Chef Mats will share his extensive knowledge on what makes European fare one of the best and most sought after in the world of culinary arts.

First Gourmet Academy offers a six-month intensive course for the Diploma in Commercial Cooking and Culinary Arts for those who aspire to become chefs. It covers the essentials of food safety and sanitation, basic culinary skills and food science, baking and pastry, garde manger and international cuisines. Students undergo a three-month internship in any of the academy’s accredited training partners.

Chef Mats said that the school will also hold evening classes for both the nine-month and 11-month Diploma Courses   starting on Nov. 9,   Mondays to Fridays, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Founded in 2008, First Gourmet offers a premier curriculum with the primary objective of developing the students’ culinary competency and professionalism and equip them with both the credentials and confidence in building a career as chefs anywhere in the world.

At the helm of the Academy’s kitchen is director and chief instructor chef Mats who earned his university degree in Social Science and a diploma in Culinary Arts from Virginska Skolan in Obrero, Sweden. His vast experience includes working for several London hotels like Capital Hotel in the ultra-pricey Knightsbridge area, at the Le Meridien Hotel’s The Oak Room; as Head Chef for The Hothouse, one of London’s 100 Best restaurants; and stints as executive chef of luxury cruise ships. Sharing their knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship are veteran businessmen and industry insiders Romy Mercado and Dennis Nakpil and business consultant Antonio Magcase

First Gourmet Academy is located at Capitol Greenstreet Capitol Hills Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City 1119, with tel. nos. 951-9655 and 951-1687. For inquiries, visit www.firstgourmetacademy.com.