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. This Northern California cooking adventure provides a showcase for the range of styles, personalities and trends that characterize the American culinary scene.

Featured in each session:

  • Intimate Meet the Chefs reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres
  • Cooking demonstrations followed by tastings
  • Behind-the-scenes kitchen tours
  • Five-course Chefs' Holidays Gala Dinner, that includes 4 paired wines

     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 2008's Session 6 – The Whole Hog.

2012 Chefs' Lodging Packages and Pricing

Chef’s Holidays Lodging Packages are already available at both The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for 2012. Don't miss out on another great line-up of world renowned chefs, amidst world renowned Yosemite National Park.


Two- and three-night packages include:

  • Overnight accommodations for two
  • Admission to culinary presentations and tastings
  • Admission to private "Meet the Chefs" Reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres
  • Two tickets to the Gala Chefs' Holiday Dinner in The Ahwahnee Dining Room
  • Behind the Scenes Kitchen Tour

Odd numbered sessions include 3-nights lodging, even numbered sessions include 2-nights lodging.

THE AHWAHNEE
Three-night packages starting at $573 per person
Two-night packages starting at $448 per person

YOSEMITE LODGE AT THE FALLS*
Three-night packages starting at $400 per person
Two-night packages starting at $333 per person

*Free event-specific shuttle bus transportation is provided between Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and The Ahwahnee for the Chef's Holidays Gala Dinner.  Complimentary after-hours shuttle service is also available if scheduled shuttle service has ended for the day.  Please inquire at the hotel front desk to request service back to your hotel. 

Dinner-only tickets are also available for $199, including tax and gratuity.

Book your Chefs' Holiday for 2012 online
or call our reservations agents at (801) 559-4884.


Terms and Conditions: 
Per person rates based on double occupancy.  Additional costs associated with additional persons.  Rates do not include taxes.  Package may not be combined with other discounts, packages or special offers.  No refunds for early check out or unused portions of package.  Offer is subject to change with NPS approval.  Advance reservations are required.  Package is for specific days.  Additional dinner tickets are available.  Penalties will apply for cancellations made within 30 days of arrival date.  Package rates do not apply to groups or suites.

Chefs' Holidays Sessions

The session dates and sponsored chefs’ information for the 27th Annual Chef’s Holiday are now available!  Below is the schedule of the 2012 sessions.  We hope to see you there!

Session 1 Moderator: Connie Barney, Culinary Instructor
January 8th-10th

Headliner: Kent Rathbun---Abacus, Dallas, TX
Demonstrators: Brian Streeter---Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley, CA
Annie Somerville---Greens, San Francisco, CA

Session 2 Moderator: Connie Barney, Culinary Instructor
January 11th & 12th

Headliner: Suzanne Goin---Lucques, Los Angeles, CA 
Demonstrators: Mark Estee---Campo, Reno, NV
Donald Link---Herbsaint, New Orleans, LA

Session 3 Moderator: Andrew Friedman, Author
January 15th-17th

Headliner: Peter Chastain---Prima, Walnut Creek, CA
Demonstrators: Emily Luchetti---Farallon and Waterbar, San Francisco, CA
Sean Baker---Gather, Berkeley, CA

Session 4 Moderator: Andrew Friedman, Author
January 18th & 19th

Headliner: Rick Moonen---RM Seafood, Las Vegas, NV
Demonstrators: Jesse Cool---Flea Street Cafe, Menlo Park, CA
Jimmy Bradley---The Red Cat & The Harrison, New York, NY

Session 5 Moderator: Pamela Wischkaemper, Culinary Consultant
January 22nd-24th

Headliner: David Bazirgan---Fifth Floor, San Francisco, CA
Demonstrators: Peg Smith & Sue Conley---Cowgirl Creamery, Point Reyes, CA
Daniel Holzman---The Meatball Shop, New York, NY

Session 6*— Moderator: Pamela Wischkaemper, Culinary Consultant
January 25th & 26th

Headliner: Christopher Lee---Eden, South Beach, FL
Demonstrators: Chris Prosperi---Metro Bis, Simsbury, CT
Robert Anderson---Boulder Ridge Golf Club, Santa Clara Valley, CA

Session 7*— Moderator: Janice Wald Henderson, Food & Travel Journalist
January 29th-31st

FEATURING The chefs of Bravo TV's Top Chef
*A collaborative dinner, featuring one course from each chef:
Host Chefs: Percy Whatley and Paul Padua---The Ahwahnee
Guest Chefs: Ariane Duarte---CulinAriane, Montclair, NJ
Hosea Rosenberg---Winner of Top Chef Season 5
Tre Wilcox---Marquee Grill & Bar, Dallas, TX

Session 8*—Moderator: Janice Wald Henderson, Food & Travel Journalist
February 1st & 2nd

Headliner: Emily Luchetti---Farallon and Waterbar, San Francisco, CA
Parke Ulrich---Waterbar, San Franciso, CA
Demonstrators: Brandon Miller---Mundaka, Carmel, CA
Adam Mali---Pat Kuletto Restaurant Group, San Francisco, CA


Bring home the flavor of Chefs' Holidays with unique gift ideas from Yosemite.

Put on your Apron and have some Fun!!

Enjoy these 2011 Chefs' Favorite Recipes!!