Napa Truffle Camp
When I was a kid, I went to basketball camp every summer, where I got to work one on one with some of the best players and coaches in women’s basketball at the time. These were my celebrities and I loved getting that brief time with them at my camp each year. I also got incredible instruction that helped me become a much better athlete. How often do adults get opportunities like this? I don’t think Dawn Staley is interested in helping me with my jump shots anymore, but let’s say I wanted to hone some other skill, like cooking — there’s a camp for that, and just reading about it made my mouth water.
Truffled Egg
La Toque restaurant at The Westin Verasa, Napa is one of just 12 restaurants in the world to feature a truffle menu, and for three days this January, executive chef and owner Ken Frank will open his kitchen and share his techniques with students at his Second Annual Truffle Camp. Who says kids have all the fun — this sounds way better than basketball camp!
Truffle Camp kicks off on Sunday, January 17 with a welcome reception with Chef Frank, followed by a regional French dinner in BANK Café and Bar. On Monday morning, students will meet at 9am in the La Toque kitchen for a three-hour hands on cooking class with Chef Frank, preparing a truffle-themed feast to eat for lunch. In the afternoon, the group will take a field trip to Long Meadow Ranch to tour the farm and taste its products.
Chef Ken Frank
Tuesday brings a second cooking class with Chef Frank, where students will again prepare a truffle-themed lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll meet La Toque Wine Director Scott Tracy for a private tour and barrel tasting of an exclusive winery not open to the public. Tracy will teach the group about pairing wines with truffle cuisine. That evening, you’ll dine on an extravagant All Truffle Dinner at La Toque, featuring Scott Tracy’s wine selections.
Truffle Camp’s last hurrah is a truffle omelet breakfast on Wednesday morning. Is your mouth watering yet?
When you leave, you’ll be sent home with a truffle goodie bag so you can practice your new culinary skills at home. (The only thing I ever brought home from basketball camp was sore muscles.)
The Second Annual Truffle Camp runs January 17-19, 2010, at The Westin Verasa, Napa. The cost is $1800 per student based on single occupancy or $3000 per couple based on double occupancy. All the meals, wine, accommodations, activities listed above, and gratuities are included in this price. This year’s Truffle Camp is limited to 12 students, so book now if you want to go. You can make reservations at www.WestinNapa.com. This would be a wonderful gift for someone who loves to cook fine foods.
Truffle Camp is only three days, but Napa Valley has a lot to offer — you may want to extend your reservations to enjoy Napa’s other attractions. The Westin Verasa, Napa is just two blocks west of Downtown Napa and very convenient to all of the Valley’s hottest attractions, like the wine train, wineries and the Oxbow Public Market.
