Yosemite
California's National Treasure

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"Summers are great, but WINTER is the one of the most beautiful and exciting times to visit
Yosemite," said Tim D. Smith, Director of Hotels for DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite. "After working up an appetite skiing, snow shoeing or ice skating, it's wonderful to sit back with a glass of wine, warm fire and gourmet food."

In the winter of early 2004 there will be several  two- and three-day culinary sessions feature cooking demonstrations moderated by professional food experts and connoisseurs and allow visitors ample time to interact with the talented guest chefs. Any park visitor may attend the cooking demonstrations at no charge.

Scheduled to take place over eight sessions between Jan. 11 and Feb. 5, 2004, the 19th annual Chefs' Holidays features an award-winning lineup with several James Beard Award winners. For a complete lineup of demonstrators and topics, visit http://www.YosemitePark.com 

Those visitors booking the Chefs' Holidays package (by calling call (559) 252-4848 ) will have additional opportunities to learn during the exclusive "Meet the Chefs" reception, behind-the-scenes tour of The Ahwahnee's massive 6,500 sq. ft. kitchen, and the finale of this memorable culinary series - the Gala Chefs' Dinner.

The Ahwahnee's is a historic luxury hotel built in 1927. Its location in the center of the Yosemite Valley makes it an ideal location to view the Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. Visitors desiring five-star accommodations in one of the most scenic areas in the world will appreciate the Ahwahnee. This premium lodging facility includes 99 hotel rooms and 20 individual cottages.

The Gala Chefs' Dinner is a five-course meal prepared by the headlining chef and served in the grandeur of the candlelit Ahwahnee Dining Room. Unique wines, expertly paired with the night's cuisine, help highlight the specialties of the chef and are included in the price of each Chefs' Holidays package. Individual tickets to the Gala Chefs' Dinner are $139.75 per person, including wine, tax and gratuity.

Visitors Save Up to 26% By Booking the Chefs' Holidays Package!
Chefs' Holidays packages include overnight accommodations for two, an invitation to the "Meet the Chefs" reception, three cooking demonstrations and two tickets to the Gala Chefs' Dinner with featured wines. Two-night Chefs' Holidays packages are $729 at The Ahwahnee hotel and $449 at the Yosemite Lodge.  Three-night packages are $999 at The Ahwahnee and $529 at Yosemite Lodge. 

The Best Chefs' Holidays 2004 Headliners

-- Victor Scargle, Executive Chef at Julia's Kitchen at COPIA (Napa Valley, CA)
-- Kent Rathbun, Executive Chef at Abacus (Dallas)
-- Mark Franz, Co-owner and Executive Chef at Farallon (San Francisco)
-- Malachi Harland, Executive Chef at XYZ (San Francisco)
-- James Overbaugh, Executive Chef at Erna's Elderberry House (Oakhurst, CA)
-- Tom Douglas, Owner and Executive Chef of the Palace Kitchen (Seattle)
-- Mark Purdy, Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen (Healdsburg, CA)
-- Joachim Splichal, Owner of Patina (Los Angeles), Pinot Bistro (Studio City, CA) and Pinot Blanc (Napa Valley, CA) 

Each year the Ahwahnee hosts events and offers specials such as the Vintners Holiday, Brace bridge Dinner, and Romantic Getaways. Like all Yosemite Valley locations; summer, holidays, and weekends at the Ahwahnee sell out up to one year in advance.

Create Your Own Special Event

Yosemite Concession Services Corporation offers an excellent variety of lodging, catering and hospitality services for weddings, family reunions, conferences, and corporate retreats. Special function and meeting space is available at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village and Wawona, each with its own unique character and charm, not to mention stunning views! Whatever the reason-- whatever the season, Yosemite offers something to please every audience. See the Group Section of this site for information on booking your next event in Yosemite.

For more information on Yosemite Chefs' Holidays at The Ahwahnee or to
make a reservation, call (559) 252-4848 or visit online at:
http://www.YosemitePark.com and for more information visit  www.nationalparkservices.org/