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).
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.
Don’t you love these red student kitchens?
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}.
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.
They even sell some of the incredible tomatoes they grown on the farm.
When 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.
They grow vegetables, as well as flowers.
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
Your photos are beautiful. It’s a very cool place. A good reminder to drop in again.
Thanks!
I’ve never got into cooking myself, but love the passion that others have for it.
Great pictures – looks like a lovely trip!
cheers,
Gordon
Thank you!
Oh my! I totally need to go there – to study there.
I’ve always had a passion for cooking and always wanted to learn more. It looks so fabulous.
Keep in Touch(ed),
KG
http://www.touchedmagazine.com
I would love to take some classes there! It is definitely on my to do list!
Wouldn’t it be incredible to cook in one of those kitchens using ingredients from those gardens mentored by those amazing chefs??? I am absolutely adding this to my to-do list when we go to Napa!
YES!!!
We are spending the Christmas holidays in Napa – we might have to make a trip to visit this beautiful place!
Christmas in Napa…I can only imagine how beautiful all the little cities will look with twinkling Christmas lights! Try to get over to the CIA for a lunch or dinner, just eating at the cafe was delicious.
I am SO doing this! Your photos are beautiful, and my mouth is already watering …
Lois, You are going to love it!
Wow! What an impressive place. How fabulous it must be to visit there… and learn there… and EAT there! Yum! Thank you for sharing. I now long to visit!
Lisa, if you are ever in the area, you must visit!
Okay, this just made me very hungry and I might have to go see the 100 Foot Journey all over again. Gorgeous place!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have to do this! Visually and gustatorially seductive.
You will love it!
Oh my GOODNESS! I need to be there!
You do!
What an amazing place… and meal! Yum!