Culinary Institute of America greystone

If you didn’t know better, when you drove by The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California, you would think you were driving by another beautiful winery located in Napa Valley.  Upon a closer look, you would realize you were looking at something a bit more special.  This building has had some of the best chefs in the country, study, live, and hone their craft behind the beautiful stone walls of this castle-like building known as Greystone.

Although it was Sunday when we visited, Handsome arranged for us to get a tour of the building and the school (its easy to do, just call ahead and let them know you are coming).

Culinary Institute of America inside

This shot was taken from the 2nd of the 3 floors in the entry of the building.  It is a quite stunning building from the outside and the inside.

Culinary Institute of America red kitchens

Don’t you love these red student kitchens?

Culinary Institute of America lecture room

One of the lecture rooms.

After our tour, we decided to grab a bite to eat in The Bakery Cafe by illy {on Sundays it is the only restaurant open}.

Culinary Institute of America the bakery cafe inside

Handsome and I shared a Tre Formaggio Panini, which had Wagon Wheel Cheese, Farmstead Toma Cheese, point Reyes Blue, with aioli on focaccia along with a side of black truffle mac n cheese.  And a Molinari Panini, it was also on focaccia with Sopressata, Mortadella, Farmstead Toma Cheese, and Little Gem Lettuce with a side of pesto penne mostaccioli.  They both were so delicious we couldn’t even pick a favorite.

Culinary Institute of America sandwiches

They even sell some of the incredible tomatoes they grown on the farm.

Culinary Institute of America farm tomatoesWhen we were on our tour, our guide told us that the vegetable and flower farm that the culinary student maintain and cook from was located across the street on the property of the Charles Krug Winery.

Culinary Institute of America student farm at Charles Krug

They grow vegetables, as well as flowers.

Culinary Institute of America view from farm

A view of The Culinary Institute of America from the students farm and part of the Charles Krug vineyard.

If you are ever in any of the four cities the The Culinary Institute of America makes its home, please stop in for a visit.  It is quite an extraordinary place.

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

2555 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574   707.967.1100

Culinary Institute of America food is life