The Ahwahnee announces 2010 season Chefs Holidays lineup
The Ahwahnee, a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in scenic Yosemite Valley, California has announced its 2010 season lineup for the 25th annual Chefs’ Holidays event series.
Celebrating the range of styles, personalities and trends that characterize the American culinary scene in the beautiful natural setting in Yosemite National Park, Chefs’ Holidays brings together 29 prominent American chefs and culinary professionals in a wintertime celebration that includes a series of eight sessions from January 10 to February 4, 2010.
For each session of Chefs’ Holidays guests are invited to take part in a "Meet the Chefs" reception, educational cooking classes and demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, and a five-course Chefs’ Holidays Gala Dinner prepared by the headliner chef and paired with four wines, served by candlelight in The Ahwahnee Dining Room.
"Chefs’ Holidays is a much-anticipated event each year at The Ahwahnee," said Chance Jorgensen, general manager of The Ahwahnee. "Guests enjoy the magic and comfort of being surrounded by a breathtaking winter wonderland setting and interacting with the country’s best culinary professionals in an intimate environment."
Since its inception as a small gathering of top chefs and hotel guests in the winter of 1985, Chefs’ Holidays has become a premier and much-sought-after destination for epicures and culinary professionals alike. Esteemed American culinary professionals making repeat appearances this year include Peggy Smith and Sue Conley of Cowgirl Creamery, Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake and Orson, Douglas Keane of Cyrus, Chris Cosentino of Incanto and Boccalone, Paul Virant of Vie, Duskie Estes and John Stewart of Zazu and Bovolo, Bernard Guillas and Ron Oliver of La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, Jesse Ziff Cool of Flea St. Cafe, Cal Stamenov of Bernardus Lodge, Ken Frank of La Toque and Annie Somerville of Greens. Newly added this season is a special Bravo TV "Top Chef" Contestants series featuring Ryan Scott of Ryan Scott 2 Go, Ariane Duarte of Culinariane and Carla Hall of Alchemy Caterers. Other newcomers who will be welcomed to the event this year are Matt Bolton of Pacific’s Edge, David Kinch of Manresa, Bruce Sherman of North Pond, Christopher Lee of Aureole, Hoss Zare of Zare at Fly Trap, Brad Farmerie of PUBLIC, Double Crown and The Monday Room, Suzanne Goin of Lucques, Jody Adams of Rialto, Michelle Mah of midi, and Loretta Keller of COCO5OO.
"I look forward to Chefs’ Holidays year after year," said Chef Jesse Ziff Cool, who has been part of the event since 1989. "There’s a genuine camaraderie among the guest chefs and the staff in The Ahwahnee kitchen. The positive energy spills over to everyone involved. It’s truly rewarding to give participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what really happens in the professional culinary world. For all of us it is a magical opportunity and pleasure to step out of our restaurants for a few days and into one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. We all feel honored to take part in this extraordinary culinary celebration."
For more information on Yosemite Chefs’ Holidays at The Ahwahnee or to make reservations, call 801-559-4949 or visit online at www.YosemitePark.com/Chefs.
