We absolutely had to visit Freemark Abbey Winery. Our favorite Chardonney to which we were introduced at Oceana Bistro in Clayton, MO The grounds and gardens were unbelievable. And...the Abbey looks just like the picture on the bottle. :-)
We tasted a bit...and chatted.
This was the first winery in this area that actually did the "tastes" on the wines we can purchase anywhere. Kendal-Jackson, Coppola, and others just did the "tastes" on their reserve wines...which you cannot purchase unless you are at the winery...or are a member of their wine club.And we moved on to the Culinary Institute of America for lunch. Located in St. Helens...just north of Napa. Well - you know we're always game for a new adventure. Our lunch was prepared by students...and was incredibly interesting. The food prep...the conversations with the students assigned to particular stations for the day. Some at the open kitchen...some at the various guest interaction spots.
It all started with a picture. And moved to our first menu item. 5 samplings as an appetizer selection.
Just a taste for each of us...great flavors. We were told that the baby beet sprouts which accompanied the fresh fig/feta/raisen with balsemic vinigrette (far left) cost $200/lb. Of course each fig had 3 sprouts...probably 1/100th of a pound. :-)
Each student - a different station - a different task - paired up with an instructor. And we met Polly...the Head Chef at the school.
The wait staff...student and instructor.
And the school...which housed the restaurant and kitchen shop much like Sur le Table. (Jean was hesitant to let Ron go to the kitchen shop...no room for extra gadgets in the RV.)
:-)
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