“What a wonderful experience. It will be a treasured memory. The food was wonderful and we made some great friends…”
Dennis & Elaine O. Los Gatos, CA

Gourmet Weekend Cooking Retreats

No time for a three or five day learning vacation? Try the shorter weekend version. The focus is still on teaching you essential skills and techniques for everyday use. Your retreat begins Friday afternoon in the kitchen where we prepare our multi-course meal using recipes that incorporate a variety of cooking techniques. Saturday we prepare and enjoy a delicious brunch before your departure in the afternoon. Menus are planned based on seasonality and product availability and typically incorporate a style of food and theme such as Italian, Mediterranean, Regional American, etc. Price includes hands-on instruction, recipe handouts and meals prepared by the class served with wine/beverage. Accommodations are additional.

2-day Gourmet Weekend Retreat - Early Garden Harvest June 28 - June 29

We�ll shake off the winter doldrums as we harvest tender, young vegetables and greens from the garden. We use the pick of the garden and market to prepare our meal of items such as Brushcetta with Marinated Feta and Arugula, Grilled Asparagus with Olive Relish; Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken; Creamy Risotto with Spring Vegetables; Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp and other delicious recipes.

2-day Gourmet Weekend Retreat - Summer Grill July 12 - July 13, 2013

Summertime is a highpoint for outdoor entertaining. Taking full advantage of the season�s bounty and your grill can be a great reward. You will learn how to maximize flavor and tenderness using marinades and rubs. You will also learn about sauces and salsas to serve that will add a unique flair to your summertime dishes. We will make dishes like Grilled Corn, Peppers and Arugula Salad; Grilled Achiote Chicken with Salsa Verde; Grilled Vegetable M�lange; Grilled Fruits and many other recipes that will become your summertime favorites

2-day Gourmet Weekend Retreat - Summer Bounty September 6 - September 7

We will celebrate the bounty of the garden and savor the rich, vibrant flavors of summer in this 2-day session. The menu will include the abundance of peppers, squash and tomatoes in recipes such as Roasted Vegetable Ravioli with Herbed Tomato Sauce; Saut�ed Summer Greens with Caramelized Onions; Vegetable Strata with Salsa Verde and other delicious recipes.

2-day Gourmet Weekend Retreat - Flavors of Fall Harvest October 4 - October 5

The flavors of fall combine end of summer favorites with the beginning of hearty winter fare. We will savor the last of the summer garden and celebrate the rich, earthy flavors of fall. Our menu will incorporate the flavors of both seasons in recipes such as Mixed Fall Greens with Grilled Figs, Braised Short Ribs with Wine Reduction Sauce; Oven-roasted Root Vegetables; Roasted Butternut Squash Soup; Vegetable Strata with Tomatillo Salsa and other favorite fall recipes.

Cooking Adventures in the heart of Napa Valley

Gourmet Weekend Cooking Retreats