Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco partners with CIA on a weekend 'Gourmand Getaway' package

San Francisco and the Napa Valley are magnets for lovers of good food and wine. Beginning in September, travellers will be able to enjoy an attractive weekend travel package led by San Francisco’s, Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

The new “Gourmand Getaway” package begins on a Friday afternoon with arrival at the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco where guests will stay for two nights in a Golden Gate Bridge Mandarin King room, offering breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay. A bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Bell Wine Cellars will await in-room, and a 4-course dinner for two prepared by Chef de Cuisine Joel Huff at Silks, the hotel’s signature restaurant, will set the stage for the weekend’s culinary adventure.

On Saturday morning, after breakfast for two at the hotel, guests will enjoy a scenic limousine ride to Napa and hone their culinary skills through a semi-private cooking demonstration at the renowned Culinary Institute of America at Greystone (CIA). Here, at one of America’s most prestigious cooking schools, guests will learn a signature recipe from one of the CIA’s talented chefs, using the freshest ingredients that California has to offer. After the lesson, participants are invited to the CIA’s signature restaurant, Wine Spectator, to indulge in a “Temptations” menu sampling and “Flights of Fancy” California wine tasting. Upon return to the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco that evening, guests can conclude their eventful day in the comfort of their luxurious accommodations.

The 3-day, 2-night “Gourmand Getaway” luxury travel package includes:

- 2-nights accommodation at the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco in a Mandarin King room with views of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Upon arrival: a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Bell Wine Cellars of Napa Valley accompanied by a “Bento Box” of assorted cheeses, crackers and dried fruits 
- Limousine service to and from the CIA at Greystone in the Napa Valley
- One-hour, semi-private Chef demonstration at the CIA at Greystone with a tasting of the food items prepared and a take-home recipe
- “Temptations” at Greystone’s restaurant – Seasonal menu samplings from Chef James Corwell, C.M.C. (Certified Master Chef)
- “Flights of Fancy” at Greystone’s restaurant – Choice of up to three signature wine tasting “flights” from the CIA’s award-winning all-California wine list
- Custom embroidered Chef’s Apron 
- One gourmet dinner for two persons with wine parings (excluding gratuities) at Silks restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco – optional Friday or Saturday evening reservation
- Daily American breakfast for two persons 
- Late check out until 6pm (subject to availability)

This epicurean travel package is available from September 2005 through May 2006 and the rate is US$2,600 inclusive of taxes.

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