The Center for Culinary Arts or CCA has produced quite a lot of successful chefs in its 15 years of existence. It has given diplomas to 5,000 industry practitioners, 2,000 offshore chefs, 800 restaurateurs and 10 celebrity chefs—and that is just scratching the surface.

Despite these great achievements, you will not see CCA resting on its laurels, for this entire operation was born out of a humble bakeshop called Cravings, some 23 years ago. It still continues to break new ground with the ambition of a newbie, but the wisdom of a seasoned chef working his way around the kitchen. CCA was the first formal culinary school established in the Philippines, and its founder, Susana Guerrero, is not only a culinary expert, but also passionate about saving the environment and nourishing people.

When CCA first opened, it introduced the first formal Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management in the country. Eventually, it added a Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma course as well. And to push the envelope even further, it strengthened its short courses and started other programs for both beginners and professional chefs.

To celebrate its 15th year as an industry leader, CCA recently had a gala dinner at its newly renovated main campus along Katipunan Avenue. Guests were treated to a four-course meal of some of the school’s new items. To start, there was the Tagonton Ukoy Salad—crispy fried jumping shrimp with Mesculun and Mango Wansoy Salsa. This was followed by the clear but filling Sinuam na Puting Mais—native corn soup flavored with shrimp and sili leaves.

The main course was delightful Australian beef, braised in tomato sauce and lemongrass and served with sweet potato mash and roasted summer vegetables. Lastly, for dessert, guests were treated to Filipino favorites like Carioca, Biko with Latic, Saba con Sorbetes and Jackfruit.

CCA is the first culinary institution in the Philippines accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation, which is the premier organization of professional chefs in North America. The school’s quality and excellence earned it that accreditation in 2006 and again in 2010.

Aside from the main Katipunan campus and head office, CCA also holds satellite classes in Eastwood Mall, a “Shop, cook, learn and earn” program at the Farmer’s Market branch and a restaurant-school at SM Mall of Asia called Oceana.

For inquiries on diploma or short courses, contact Center for Culinary Arts at 4264840-41;

e-mail marketing@cca-manila.com. For course outline and more information, visit www.cca-manila.com