In the northern end of Napa Valley lies the charming, quaint town of Calistoga. Since its founding as a hot spring resort over 130 years ago, Calistoga has come to be known for its award winning restaurants, delightful shopping, and of course, its wineries.

Join us for a culinary getaway to Napa Valley, learning the best of Northern California cuisine. Your instructor for the stay is Chef Lana Richardson, owner of Casa Lana, a charming bed and breakfast. Here, hands-on cooking lessons are taught in a professionally equipped kitchen. The lessons are geared to avid home cooks and food enthusiasts. Enrollment is limited to 8 people, ensuring plenty of individualized attention. Excursions to nearby food related events and sites compliment the lessons

Accommodations are in the Casa Lana Bed and Breakfast or other nearby B&Bs, where you will enjoy plush comfort in Old World Style. Rooms feature king or queen size beds, luxury linens, and large bathrooms. Delicious continental breakfasts are served every morning.

Day One

Day Two

After a continental breakfast you'll join Lana in the kitchen for your first full day cooking session. You'll learn knife skills, all about stocks, ingredient selection and storage, and cooking methods and techniques. Some of the recipes you might learn include smoked salmon saffron roulade, carrot cumin soup, pan seared veal chops with wine reduction sauce, risotto with grilled vegetables, roasted fruit with wine reduction sauce.
The lesson will last from 10 am until 5 pm and will include a group meal midday.

Evening on your own.

Day Three

Morning cooking lesson from 11 am until 2 pm: today you'll learn about recipe concepts, working with ratios, balancing flavors and also about sauces. Some of the dishes you may prepare include herbed bocconcini with crostini, pissaladiere with caramelized onions, Nicoise style salad with seared tuna, and orange-ginger shortcake with summer berries and sabayon sauce.
At 2:30 the group will enjoy a wine country excursion to a local winery for a private visit, tasting and gourmet dinner.

Day Four

Morning free to explore Calistoga on your own.  Then meet Lana for your third cooking lesson from 12 noon until 3 pm focusing on yeast doughs, flavor dynamics and profiles, along with sauces including pan reduction and egg based sauces.

Then it's on to the Culinary Institute of America's Greystone campus for a visit and cooking demonstration.

Day Five

Cooking class from 11 am- 4pm. Today's class will focus on menu planning and entertaining, flavor enhancers, sauces (primary and secondary), and recommended books. The class includes a group meal.

Day Six

Check out after breakfast.