Continuing Education, California-Style

just got back from a week at the Cuinary Institute of America at Greystone. I,and 14 others, took a class called “Fire and Spice” where — you got it — we grilled spicy foods. Well, that’s kind of simplified, but I think you get it. I am full of new ideas, have no hair on my forearms from putting bread in the tandoori, and fat and hoarse from eating and laughing with three of the craziest women out there.

Chef Lars Kronmark: the best. The school, the town, the weather: Gorgeous. I’ve done these professional CE courses before and have always enjoyed them, but this time we had the big four: Great chef, great class, great surroundings …and great classmates. We had a diverse, professional group who knew how to have fun while staying focused. We cooked, listened, talked, shared, about work, food, family, dogs, and kids… It was terrific.

A few snaps:

On our last day, we spent a few hours at the Farmers Market in St. Helena. there is nothing, absolutely nothing, like a nectarine straight from the tree. or tomatoes and herbs from the field.

My favorite stand: pastries (these nice people sell from Bouchon and Sweetie Pie’s). See the adorable child in front of the case? he acquainted me with Chet the Rooster in the cage. (I think his name was Chet. He *looks* like a Chet, doesn’t he?)

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I managed to snag a few non-food essentials, as mementos:

Chile peppers, pumpkins, monkeys … and weird dancing people.

What a great week. Thank you, Chef Lars, and my classmates. See you soon, I hope?

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Shout outs:
-Mr. Foodbabe and the amazing Gene M., for kicking heinie at the club Member-guest and bringing home the $$ (and placing second gross).
-El Secondo for finishing his exams and kicking heinie at them, as well.
-Firstie, for picking me up at the airport at the bright hour of 5 a.m.
-heyAnnette, for successfully surprising her ‘rents in Illinois

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Kid of the week: Secondo, who called me on Sunday to ask for a favor. I said, “I might consider it, if I weren’t just leaving the Oakland Airport!” Yeesh!