Chef Ken Frank Hosts Exclusive Truffle Camp Experience In Napa, January 17-19
Ken Frank, executive chef and owner of the renowned La Toque restaurant at The Westin Verasa, Napa, is hosting a dream come true for truffle lovers-three days of complete immersion in everything there is to know about this culinary delicacy. During the second annual Truffle Camp at The Westin Verasa, Napa from January 17-19, 2010, students will learn how to prepare truffle dishes, will savor meals featuring this flavorful fungi and will attend a wine tasting at a local winery.
Students will have the rare opportunity to cook in the La Toque kitchen with Chef Ken Frank, whose restaurant is one of only 12 in the world to feature a truffle menu.
On Sunday evening, students will gather for a welcome reception with Ken Frank, then dine on a regional French dinner in BANK Caf� and Bar. The next morning, everyone will gather in the La Toque kitchen at 9 a.m. and spend the next three hours in a hands-on cooking class preparing a meal featuring a delicacy that's been called the jewel of French cuisine. At noon, the students will dine on the truffle-themed feast they created that morning. Monday afternoon, Frank will escort everyone on a field trip to the Long Meadow Ranch, where they will tour the farm and taste the farm's products.
The celebration of truffles continues on Tuesday with another hands-on cooking class in La Toque, where Frank helps the students create another lunch feast. To learn which wines best accompany cuisine made with truffles, Frank and La Toque Wine Director Scott Tracy wlll accompany the students on a private tour and barrel tasting of an exclusive winery not open to the public. That night, everyone gathers in La Toque for an extravagant "All Truffle Dinner" paired with Scott Tracy's choice of wines.
The Truffle Camp ends Wednesday morning after a truffle omelet breakfast. Guests are sent on their way with a truffle goodie bag so that they can continue to use the techniques they learned in the camp at home.
Ken Frank's Truffle Camp at La Toque is $1,800 per student based on single occupancy or $3,000 per couple based on double occupancy. The price includes three night's luxury accommodations at The Westin Verasa, Napa, the five meals mentioned above, two hands on cooking classes with Chef Frank, the field trip to the farm and winery, goodie bag, recipes, wines served during the event and gratuities. The class is limited to 12 participants.
The Westin Verasa, Napa is located approximately two blocks west of Downtown Napa and is conveniently located near all of Napa Valley's attractions, including the wine train, wineries and the Oxbow Public Market. For more information about the truffle camp, visit www.latoque.com or visit www.WestinNapa.com to book the Ken Frank's Truffle Camp package.
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About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 150 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis�, The Luxury Collection�, W�, Westin�, Le M�ridien�, Sheraton�, Four Points� by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
Natasha Bourlin, Lyman Public Relations
775-240-8749 or natasha@lymanpr.com