Monsterize your Kitchen

This is not Lady Gaga's kitchen. Monster Kitchen is a baking school that offers very affordable fees for world-class training programs. From a simple hobby, Monster Kitchen's students learn baking techniques that could pave the way to one's career in the food and service industry armed with basic training and professional confidence.

Inside Monster Kitchen

Started in 2008, Monster Kitchen is foremost a supply store but the waning interest in baking prompted  its owner, Jan Michael Uy, to put up a baking school. "We wanted to bring back the passion within the baking community and we are happy with the response," said Uy.

Not your typical culinary school, Monster Kitchen offers a three-month program on Fundamentals of Basic Baking and Pastry Arts. Classes are small with maximum of 12 students learning European and contemporary techniques for three days in a week.

"Students get to bake. We do not simply follow the recipe and do cooking demonstrations. We let them experience the actual baking process using different techniques. This way, they become confident to use any ingredient and use any technique found in any kitchen they may end up later on," explains chef Jesuit Paul Nuges.

A team of high caliber chefs like Albert Chia, Jo Venes, Kathy Dano, Mitchie Sison and Nuges head the trainings at Monster Kitchen that are certified by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The first batch of students composed of professionals, novices, coffee shop owners and homemakers received their certificates in a simple graduation ceremony last June 15. The event was made mouthwatering and memorable by the lavish spread of creatively-baked goodies, cakes and breads.  "We are proud to showcase the cakes and pastries baked by our students. This way, everybody gets to sample and tastes our products," exclaims Uy.

Based in Gaston Park, Cagayan de Oro, Uy finds the venue as an advantage rather than a concern for students. "For such competitive training, our fees are really affordable and cover the chef's jacket, apron, cap, manuals, certificate and all imported ingredients. Plus, if you stay in the city, you get to see and visit all the tourist spots." The three-month program is priced at P52,000.

Fully supportive of their students, Monster Kitchen also gives extra training in preparation for culinary competitions. As shown by the desserts in plated-design, baking fundamentals are important as well as the development of one's creative abilities that are best shown during competitions.  "We expose them to different culinary competitions. Every competition builds the character and confidence.  Competition allows them to experience cooking and baking under pressure.  And pressure is present in every kitchen," explains chef Nuges. 

The second batch of baking lessons started last July 11.  "We are plan to expand the business outside Cagayan de Oro.  Eventually, we will branch out in Manila since interest in baking can be found everywhere regardless of age," said Uy. 

Of late, Monster Kitchen has been getting inquiries from faraway places like Cebu, Davao, Lucena and Laguna.  Monster Kitchen welcomes inquiries on their Facebook page.

First posted on September 7, 2011.