Before Valentine’s came, Center for Culinary Arts Manila, or better known as CCA, held a special pre-Valentine’s event in their newest branch – The Podium Mall, Pasig City. The name of the event caught my attention upon receiving the invite from them. It was called Cooking with Seduction. I love how the title can capture anyone’s attention. The initial reaction I had when I read the title, I thought they were “really serious” about giving a class on cooking with seduction. But it was merely a title. Haha!

FYI, I didn’t go because of the title. Haha! When I found out that the class would be conducted by 2 top chefs or “celebrity chefs”, I blocked my schedule just to attend their exclusive class. It was a privilege to learn from the experts, Chef Eugene Raymundo and Chef Melissa Sison.

The theme of the cooking class is cooking as a couple, since it was for Valentine’s. Such a unique course specially made for the month of February, the month of hearts <3.

Let me give you a short and brief background of the 2 chefs.

Chef Melissa Sison is the first Filipina executive chef certified by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). On the other hand, Chef Eugene Raymundo is a top food stylist and chef; he usually styles the dishes you see in famous fast food commercials – Mister Donut, KFC, etc. (He’s the person behind the “delicious-looking” fast food meals) Haha!

The 2 chefs prepared a 6-course meal for us to enjoy.

Oysters Tempura Truffle Mayonnaise (left) and Fresh Oyster with 3 Citrus-Chili Sorbet and Caviar – Bitin na bitin ako! Both oysters were friggin’ good! 2 pieces of oysters weren’t enough for me. If you were there, you’d feel the same way especially when you get to taste the tempura truffle oyster recipe. Even the citrus-chili juice was a distinct shot. Citrus and chili makes a one of a kind combination. I’d really buy that as a drink when I eat out or hang out with friends. The oyster recipes started our dinner with high expectations for the next dishes.

Fact: The reason behind serving oysters during a date or for Valentine’s is because oysters are an aphrodisiac type of food [Aphrodisiac – a food or drink that stimulates sexual desire].

Grouper with Fennel Frills and Black Caviar on Sauteed Asparagus – A check mark on the texture of the lapu-lapu fillet they used. On other sides, it was soft and juicy while on other ends, it was crusty yet still soft inside. Reduced balsamic vinegar flavor gave this dish a classy finish.

Veal Medallions with Figs in Wild Mushroom Sauce with Truffle Sweet Potato Fritters – The veal loin comes with a sweet surprise when you slice in the middle. While they were cooking, chefs mentioned that it is best to use salted butter for main dishes. While unsalted butter is usually for baking. What’s tricky in making this dish is how the texture of meat will come out after. Every type of meat has its own style of heating in order to make its meat juicy-licious.

Dark Choco-Champagne Shooters – Heavy and thick shooter prepared by Chef Eugene. Another way of eating the shooter is to make it as a dip. You can get marshmallows, bread sticks or strawberries then dip it in.

According to Chef Eugene, you can serve this shooter if you have events or parties. An easy recipe that anyone can prepare at home. Alcohol was added in this dessert since alcohol is also relevant during Valentine’s dates. Warning: drink responsibly, especially on dates. 🙂 Or better yet, don’t drink at all. Hehe.

Dark Chocolate Souffle with Strawberry Flambe – I prefer flambe over shooters. I appreciated the taste since I saw how Chef Melissa prepared it in front of us. You must have the gift of being meticulous to make this dish perfectly.

After this class, I had a different view of strawberries (in a funny way). Strawberries, one of the fruits labeled as “sexy”. It’s up to you to ponder “why?”. But based on what I learned from them, eating strawberries can be defined as sexy daw. hahaha! So girls and guys, go eat strawberries when you have a date! Haha!

Learned cooking secrets from the master chefs! Nakaka-inspire mag-cook. Thinking if I should enroll in a culinary school and try out cooking, not just food scouting? Haha!

Attentive students. All eyes on the 2 chefs.

Stayed a little bit longer to make chikka with the 2 chefs. I can talk to them for hours. We never ran out of food stories to talk about.

Meet another Nicole in my life. Haha! This is her signature pose in all her out of town photos. hahaha! Since I was with her, we just had to pose this way. 🙂

*For more information about this prestigious culinary school, CCA, you can visit their website – www.cca-manila.com

You’ll never know, CCA might be the tool for you to become one of the country’s top chefs!

Cheers,

Location: 5/F The Podium, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City