Texas Culinary Academy Releases 2008 Special Events Calendar

AUSTIN, TEXAS (January 9, 2008) – Texas Culinary Academy (TCA) released today the special events calendar for 2008. The school’s signature culinary events are community favorites and provide a great opportunity to experience the beautiful campus at the Domain as well as the talents of TCA students and chef instructors. Open to the public, family, friends, neighbors and foodies are welcome join TCA to celebrate the dynamic world of culinary arts.

“Culinary events at TCA allow our students and chefs to showcase their talents and skills in a way that engages the community,” said Julia Brooks, TCA President. “We’re always excited to give our guests a chance to experience the culture of Le Cordon Bleu cuisine and pastry arts at our beautiful campus in the Domain.”

TCA Chocolate Show – February 9
Celebrate the expansive world of chocolate! Students compete in chocolate sculpture, chocolate showpiece, chocolate candy bars, chocolate truffles and more. Chef demos will showcase the use of chocolate in sweet and savory recipes.

BBQ Event – April 26
Student teams compete in this truly Texan BBQ competition! Categories include best brisket, best ribs and best BBQ chicken. The community is invited to come and taste the competition!

3rd Annual Bastille Day – July 12
At this authentic event commemorating French Independence, TCA celebrates its Le Cordon Bleu heritage and more than 100 years of French culinary education. Learn about French cuisine with chef demonstrations, food and wine tastings and an engaging, delicious cultural symposium.

Asia Food Fest – September 5 & 6
TCA partners with the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce to bring you two days of culture and cuisine. The festival will include an Asian marketplace, Iron Chef-style competitions, and will host Asian chefs from regions as diverse as India, China and Thailand.

Mediterranean Festival – October 18
Experience the ingredients and cooking techniques of the Mediterranean. A full day of hands-on cooking seminars for adults and children includes everything from making fresh mozzarella to tagine cooking. Demonstrations from local chefs and a student symposium explore the cuisine and ingredients of the Mediterranean’s many regions.

Chili Cook-Off – November 15
TCA Students and Faculty compete for “Best Chili” braggin’ rights. The community is invited to come and sample all the entries.

7th Annual Gingerbread Competition – December 13
A Central Texas media favorite! All of Austin competes to win the title of best gingerbread house. Categories include adult, professional and children. Join us for a grand display of gingerbread houses, pictures with chef Santa and cookie decorating for the kids.

For more event information throughout the year, visit http://www.tca.edu/events.asp.

About Texas Culinary Academy
Texas Culinary Academy, located in Austin, Texas, is a 73,000 square foot facility offering students an education in culinary techniques based on the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu Programs. Our intensive 12 and 15 month programs combine hands-on experience in the kitchen with general education coursework, preparing students with Le Cordon Bleu Culinary skills as well as the business skills necessary to manage a food-service establishment. TCA is a private, post-secondary institution in partnership with the legendary 108-year old Le Cordon Bleu Program. TCA is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

TCA is located at 11400 Burnet Road, Suite 2100 in Austin. Visit the TCA website at www.tca.edu.