Chef Holidays: Cooking Classes and Demonstrations

Chefs' Holidays®

Yosemite’s Chefs' Holidays® at The Ahwahnee®, held each year in January and February, feature some of the world's most innovative and acclaimed chefs. These culinary adventures provide a showcase for the fascinating range of styles, personalities and emerging trends that characterize the American cuisine scene.

Each session features a "Meet the Chefs" reception, cooking classes and demonstrations, behind-the-scenes kitchen tours and the fabulous five-course Chefs' Holidays Gala Dinner.

Traci Des Jardins, Guest Chef for Session VIII, 2008, wrote this glowing report of her experiences at Chefs' Holidays.  You can also listen to a piece from the California Report on this year’s Session 6 – The Whole Hog.


2009 Lodging Packages

    [More Info]

2009 Chefs' Holidays Sessions

Our 2009 Chefs' Holiday special event features top-name chefs from across the country who will be coming to The Ahwahnee to celebrate with us.  Plan to join us for this fine dining event.

moderated by Connie Wilson, owner France Ala Carte

James Boyce ~ Studio, Laguna Beach, CA
Brian Streeter ~ Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford, CA
Larry Johnson ~ The Balsams Resort & Spa, Dixville Notch, NH

moderated by Connie Wilson, owner France Ala Carte
Traci Des Jardins ~ Jardiniere, San Francisco, CA
Elizabeth Falkner ~ Citizen Cake, San Francisco, CA
Scott Youkilis ~ Maverick, San Francisco, CA
moderated by Izabela Wojcik,
Director of House Programming, James Beard Foundation
Duskie Estes & John Stewart ~ Zazu, & Bovolo, Sonoma County, CA
Casey Thompson ~ Bravo TV's "Top Chef" competitor
Susan Spicer ~ Bayona, New Orleans, LA
moderated by Izabela Wojcik,
Director of House Programming, James Beard Foundation

Kent Rathbun ~ Abacus, Dallas, TX
Peter Chastain ~ Prima, Walnut Creek, CA
Mark Estee ~ Moody’s Bistro, Truckee, CA

moderated by Pam Wischkeamper, Culinary Consultant
Tony Aiazzi ~ Aureole, NYC, NY
Brandon Miller ~ Stokes, Monterey, CA
Douglas Keane ~ Cyrus, Healdsburg, CA
moderated by Pam Wischkeamper, Culinary Consultant
Charles Phan ~ Slanted Door, San Francisco, CA
Peggy Smith & Sue Conley ~ Cowgirl Creamery, San Francisco, CA
Michael Recchuiti ~ Recchuiti Chocolates, San Francisco, CA
moderated by Pam Wischkeamper, Culinary Consultant

April Bloomfield ~ Spotted Pig, NYC, NY
**Recent winner on Iron Chef America**
Joe Miller ~ Joe’s, Venice, CA
Nancy Silverton ~ Osteria Mozza & Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles, CA

moderated by Pam Wischkeamper, Culinary Consultant

Robert Curry ~ Auberge Du Soleil, Rutherford, CA
Tom McAliney ~ Brandt Beef, Brawley, CA
Aaron Sanchez ~ Paladar, New York City, NY


Bring home the flavor of Chefs' Holidays with unique gift ideas from Yosemite.
Send this page to a friend

Yosemite Reservations

Testimonials

“We thoroughly enjoyed our return visit to Yosemite this past summer.  A unique combination of gracious hospitality and modern guest amenities making our stay a delight amidst this spectacular mountain setting.”

Submit a Testimonial

Read Testimonials

Email Updates

Sign up for eSpecials or update your profile