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Chef's Holidays at Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel
Rate it! Votes (1) | Comments (1) By Cheri Sicard Photos: Mitch Mandell Posted August 6th, 2007

TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA -- Each winter, Yosemite's premier hotel, the historic Ahwahnee hosts a series of "Chef's Holidays."

If you've ever visited Disney's California Adventure Amusement Park in Anaheim, California, it's readily apparent that Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel served as inspiration for the Californian Resort. This authentic Craftsman style architectural masterpiece provides a rustic, yet elegant backdrop for cooking demonstrations with some of America's top chefs, special receptions and chef's dinners and wine pairings.

We attended two great demonstrations, one with chef Victor Scargle (executive chef of COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food and the arts in Napa Valley, CA), who made Ahi Tuna Tartare with Yuzu and Creme Fraiche and Ham Hock Risotto with Caramelized Pearl Onions and Hen of the Wood Mushrooms and another with the very personable and entertaining Carrie Brown (chef/proprietor of the Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, California), who made classic comfort foods like Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding and Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding.

Both classes were fun and informative. Beginners and veteran cooking enthusiasts alike came away with valuable new knowledge that will add to their overall culinary knowledge, along with some fabulous, sure-to-please recipes.

Each two or three day "Chef's Holiday" session culminates with a special gourmet dinner, prepared by the chefs in residence. Between culinary events, guests also have plenty of time to explore Yosemite and other area attractions.

A little known secret is that you don't actually have to stay at the Ahwahnee to take advantage of the Chef's Holiday programs. The cooking demonstrations are free, all you need do is show up at the proper time (Ahwahnee staff can tell you exactly where each demonstration takes place). While fees are involved in the special "meet the chefs" reception and the closing night gourmet dinner, you can still opt for alternative lodging to the Ahwahnee (something budget conscious travelers will appreciate).

For more information about the Ahwahnee's Chef's Holidays programs or to make reservations, call 559-252-4848 or visit www.YosemitePark.com. Complete three night packages, includie double occupancy lodging at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, admission to the Meet the Chefs reception, entry to cooking demonstrations and two tickets for the Chef's Holidays Gala Dinner (a 5 course gourmet dinner complete with wine pairings). Opt to stay at the Yosemite Lodge instead of the Ahwahnee and the same package costs significantly less.

Chef's Holiday on a Budget
Those on a tighter budget should consider staying outside the park in Tuolumne County. You'll find the historic town of Groveland just 25 miles outside the park (about 45 minutes from the Ahwahnee). A charming option is the historic Groveland Hotel, at 18767 Main Street. Originally built in 1849, the structure is considered to be one of California's largest and oldest adobe configurations. No two rooms are alike, but all sport an elegant air of yesteryear, along with the modern convenience of private baths, luxurious robes, down comforters, in room coffee makers, and in room phones with data ports. For more information or reservations visit call 800-962-4000 or 209-962-4000 or visit www.groveland.com.

The Charlotte House is another historic hotel option in Groveland, and both the Groveland Hotel and the Charlotte House B&B have fine restaurants that serve great food and good wines at reasonable prices (in case you want something to eat away from the Chef's Holiday). For more information, call the Hotel Charlotte at 800-962-6455 or 209-962-6455 or go to www.hotelcharlotte.com.

If historic hotels are not your thing, within the Groveland city limits you'll also find two newly built, B&B's with all the modern amenities a traveler needs. If this type of lodging, complete with personal service and hearty homemade breakfasts, sounds good to you, check out the Yosemite Rose (www.yosemiterose.com) or Alpenglo Bed & Breakfast at Manzanita Hill (www.manzanitahill.com).

A bit farther away (53 miles) are the historic towns of Jamestown and Sonora, both in the heart of the California Gold Rush Country. For more information about staying here and exploring these fabulous old west towns, click here.

Practicalities
You can learn more about visiting all the attractions in Tuolumne County by calling the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-446-1333 or 209-533-4420 or visit their websites: www.tcvb.com.

	What a great opportunity Written by: Samui Guy Tuesday, 22 March 2011
	What a great opportunity for networking amongst peers. Interesting conversation and food I am certain of that! Regards, Simon Samui Hotels

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