It was a fantastic experience. I would recommend to anyone interested in sushi and Japanese cuisine. The entire staff was excellent and very helpful. I felt very welcome and supported during every phase of the education. Toshi is a true master and a fine gentleman. It was if I was emerged into the Japanese culture. It was great working with the 12-week intensive student. They were very helpful.

The sake paring and sushi dinner was one of the finest meals I have ever eaten. I have been a chef for over 26 years and I was so impressed with every part of the meal and service. The education and friendship will be with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Toshi and staff for a truly fantastic life changing experience."

Kevin Dunn, May 2006
Kevin is a Vegan Culinary Instructor at the Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan, as well as veteran chefs with abundant working experience from many four-star restaurants through the United States.


My experience at CSA was unforgettable. There is much to cover in the 5-day program (which flies by!) And Toshi tailored the week to meet each of our individual objectives. The exposure to specific foods and training of integral techniques, taught by a true master sets the CSA apart from all competition. Perhaps above all, the professional contacts and relationships built in such a short time allow the true value of the experience to last far longer than the 5-days of the course. Keep us the great work!

The sake training was the ultimate value. Satomi is an articulate, knowledgeable and friendly sake sommelier who really made the experience and the subject matter memorable. Perhaps the best endorsement I can give is - after the 2nd session, I decided to pursue my sake sommelier certification."
Kristen Lorenz
"The 5-Day intensive sushi class was fantastic. The program completely exceeded my expectations. The staff was very professional and the facility was perfect. I will be able to immediately utilize the skills I learned into my current culinary business with confidence. I also highly recommend the very informative sake classes. It is a perfect compliment to the sushi series. Many thanks to the entire CSA staff!"
Tom McGinty

Kristen Lorenz & Tom McGinty, May 2006
Kristen and Tom are the chefs, food consultants, and founders of the Soigné Culinary Artistry in Chicago (www.soigne-chicago.com). Kristen is the 1st place winner of the 2nd World Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier) Competition’s Western Regional Competition held in September 2006. As one of the three US finalists, she participated in the Tokyo final as one of the world’s best and brightest sake sommelier. (http://www.fbo.co.jp/modules/t5/index.php?id=73)