Monthly Archives: May 2019

Ojai Valley Inn The Farm House Classes/Dinners

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Ojai Valley Inn – Cooking at the Farmhouse!

The long anticipated, stunning multi-use epicurean showplace, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, is finally now open for cooking classes and events.  Famed architect Howard Backen with Backen Gillam Kroeger in Napa Valley designed the expansive 20,000 square foot culinary and event center to connect world-class food culture with indoor/outdoor functions.

Ojai Valley Inn The Farmhouse

The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn is a wood and glass barn-inspired structure feature a natural palette of forest browns and greys, redwood siding, 25-foot ceilings, and exposed wooden trusses. The Kitchen is designed for open demo format, allowing up to 80 guests a front row seat to the chefs in action, while the adjacent Library and garden courtyard, each seating up to 20, will serve as private dining and meeting areas. Additionally, 11’-6” foot high sliding doors will open dramatically to The Lawn with expanded outdoor seating, a landscaped garden of native olive trees and lavender, an organic vegetable and herb garden, and a majestic 100-year-old Oak tree anchoring the center focal point.

Renowned chef, author, and James Beard Foundation Award winner Nancy Silverton will serve as The Farmhouse’s premier Culinary Ambassador, curating a series of experiential, culinary-driven events slated throughout 2019. In her role as debut Culinary Ambassador of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, Silverton will cultivate select bucket list-worthy epicurean events, bringing together the crème de la crème of the culinary world, and giving guests the opportunity to experience master classes, book signings, talks, and workshops.

This has already taken place, but hopefully Phil will return- sorry I missed it!

Eat Like Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton’s Friends Behind The Flame (April 17-18, 2019)
A unique opportunity to “Eat Like Phil” with television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal, host of Netflix’s popular Somebody Feed Phil series during a multi-course lunch menu of items that highlight his travels and finds. Later, a multi-course dinner with wine pairings will feature friends behind the flame and at the table, such as Suzanne Tracht, Mary Sue Milliken, Lissa Doumani, and Hiro Sone.

Nancy Silverton and Evan Funke in a Celebration of Pasta (June 15-16, 2019)
Includes a duo of epic pasta proportions—Nancy Silverton and acclaimed chef, pasta master, and culinary storyteller Evan Funke with his team from Felix—for a pasta-focused multi-course dining and wine pairing experience; pasta making master class, and more.

Conversations, Books and Bites With the Legendary Ruth Reichl (September 21-22, 2019)
A rare conversation with a legend—Ruth Reichl, former New York Times restaurant critic, final editor-in-chief of Gourmet, co-producer of PBS’ Gourmet Diary of a Foodie, and enduring leading voice in food. Includes a signed copy of her new book and a family-style lunch inspired by her recipes.

Nancy Silverton With Dario Cecchini on the Art of Butchering (November 23-24, 2019)
Internationally-renowned Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini will be on hand for back-to-back events ranging from an exclusive master class to a meat-centric dinner accompanied by wines from famed Chianti producer, Fontodi Winery. The weekend will also include a grill demonstration with Eric Gephart of Kamado Joe Grills, and a live-fire cooking demonstration and Middle Eastern dinner with Debbie Michail.

2019 Event Highlights

April 17 – Welcome Lunch with Phil Rosenthal & Nancy Silverton

April 18 – Nancy Silverton & Friends: Multi-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings

June 15 – Pasta Class & Lunch with Evan Funke

June 16 – The Pasta Dinner with Evan Funke & Nancy Silverton

August 30 – Nancy Silverton Grilled Cheese Pop-Up

August 31 – Cheese Making & Dinner with Mimmo Bruno, Nancy Silverton & Pizzeria Mozza

September 21 – Lunch, Demonstration & Book Signing with Ruth Reichl

September 21 – Winemaker Tasting Series: FÆTHM with Nik & Julia Krankl

November 22 – Dario Cecchini “Butcher for a Day” Class & Lunch

November 22 – Dinner with Dario Cecchini, Nancy Silverton & Fontodi Winery

November 23 – Open-Flame Cooking Demonstration & Dinner with Debbie Michail

November 24 – Grill Class & Lunch with Ryan DeNicola, Eric Gephart & Nancy Silverton

November 29 – White Truffle Lunch with John Magazino & Nancy Silverton

November 30 – The White Truffle Dinner with Nancy Silverton & Osteria Mozza

December 6 – Welcome Dinner with Walter Manzke & Nancy Silverton

December 7 – Pastry Class with Dahlia Narvaez

December 8 – Baked Goods Demonstration with Margarita Manzke

December 8 – Farewell Brunch with Nancy Silverton & Krug Champagne

For more details on classes, dinners and events, please take a look at the website:   www.farmhouseojai.com. 

Kids in the Kitchen

Artisan Pizza & Mozzarella

French & Italian Demonstrations

Fresh Pasta Making

Eclairs & Cream Puffs

The Art of Macarons

Winemaker Tastings & Dinners

Spirits Tastings

The Ojai Valley Inn spreads across a gentle rolling hillside into a deep green valley punctuated by massive Oak trees; the rambling flow of Spanish Revival style buildings resemble a picturesque village of red tile roofs sheltering white stucco walls, typical of what you might view in remote Spanish or Tuscan villages. My favorite suites have a cozy corner adobe like fireplace and a verandah with views of the hillsides. For the ultimate in privacy and luxury, there are two Penthouse Suites. Two-bedroom suites offering over 1500 square feet of privacy and endless views from your private terrace. The 1900 square foot Hacienda Penthouse is one of my favorite spaces, it will be completely refurbished this fall, but it is a terrific family gathering space. A collection of suite spaces is nestled into mini-villa clusters with expansive fragrant courtyards, ideal for a group or extended family. Off property, Casa Elar, is a private oasis, resembling a Tuscan Villa it features over 10,000 feet of luxurious living space. Fully staffed and accessible to the resort by golf cart. Private pool and spa, entertainment features inside and out, a fabulous retreat if you crave absolute privacy.

Come to the Ojai Valley Inn to camp out at the pool, play golf, hike, walk, and now cook – innumerable activities. 

Travel Tribe Journeys – Summer Enticements

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The days lengthen and warm and we begin to dream of escape. Where to go – spring break to fall – our Clients are plotting & planning – some have already left footprints on sandy beaches and scoured the souks in Marrakech.

Morocco – it is hot, hot, hot! Spring break found many of the five-star hotels sold out, we prevailed for a last-minute request.  We also have May travelers headed to Morocco. We love La Sultana in Marakech and Kasbah Tamadot in the scenic Atlas Mountains, activities include mule trekking to Berber villages. Side car excursions, hot air balloon escapades, Tagine cooking classes, private visits to Yves Saint Laurent home at the Majorelle Garden.

Mustique – Indigo seas and the year around perfect weather combined with an embarrassment of stunning Villas, make this a superb crowd free destination One advantage, our Villa team can offer many properties for 5 nights minimum- some don’t require a full 14 day stay- 5- 8, 10 days – many owners are flexible.

The Maldives, recent booking for two weeks at The Four Seasons Landaa & Kuda Huraa – my faves! Swim with manta rays hovering above and below you, floating in the gentle turquoise seas. Sail away to the spa across the bay, nothing prepares you for the sapphire seas and sugar white sandy beaches. I’m pining to return!

Four Seasons Maldives Kudaa Hura Resort, the Maldives
Four Seasons Maldives Kudaa Hura Resort, the Maldives

Japan – oh my, take a number – you are certain to run into friends at the sacred temples! A plethora of new offerings, innovative exclusive luxurious experiences; gardening with a master designer, with a long lineage of acclaimed gardeners who is currently entrusted with palace and temple gardens. Visit little known private Kyoto gardens. VIP experiences await fans of traditional theatrical performances. A master of Noh, an ancient performing art known for its fantastical masks and flowing robes has created a contemporary and well-designed space dedicated to the craft in a private theatre in the masters own home.  Long list of unique offerings.

Japan Journey

New York, spring fling at The Whitby, in midtown. Kit Kemp’s most recent addition to the city vibrant color and pattern abound!

France, in particular, the iridescent Cote d’ Azure. You may bump into friends at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, summer sizzlers! Days spent bobbing on yachts in private coves, followed by exceptional French cuisine.

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, Cote d’ Azure.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cote d’ Azure.

Paris in June- doesn’t it sound dreamy? Le Meurice return guests love their VIP attention.

Le Meurice, Paris Luxury Suite

Oh, a multi generational family of 12 is headed back to The Ranch at Rock Creek – they’ve visited multiple times and can’t get enough of Ranch and Rodeo life, Giddy Up !

The Ranch at Rock Creek
The Ranch at Rock Creek

Peru – Machu Picchu adventure for Spring break- the world-renowned complex, a sublime jewel of Incan civilization, built on a towering ridge of granite and tropical forest. As you enter the Sanctuary see the iconic Sun Gate you will be awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences. Adventure awaits. Another smashing stay at Belmond Hotels!

Machu Picchu Belmond Hotels

One lucky dad is cruising with his son, on a Linblad National Geographic Alaska Journey to the Bering Straits wilderness touching coast of Russia Journey. Visit Provideniya, Russian Federation, at the western limit of the rich transboundary area known as Beringia, Provideniya is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic”- no Russia visa required!

One of our VV sophisticated art collectors swooned at the latest gallery collections at the recent New York Art Fairs while luxuriating at The Lowell this week!

The Lowell Hotel New York

Big Five – African Safari for eight friends at the VV best lodges with our private safari team. Our fourth African safari and gorilla trek this year.

Rwanda Gorilla Trek mom & baby & toddler
Kenya Safari endless horizons

The eternal city of Rome will enchant a family of summer travelers, ask about our exclusive activities. Practice The Art of Doing Nothing Italian Style: L’arte di non fare nulla.

Hotel de Russie Roma

Tuscany a romantic Journey of exploration and staying at all three Belmond retreats. These foodies are checking off the top trattorias! A romantic honeymoon encompassing Five Luxury Belmond properties throughout Italy and Sicily – The Ultimate Grand Tour!

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo Sicily
Belmond Villa San Michele Florence

Amsterdam – always a great add on following Italy, Anne Frank, Van Gogh – private boats to cruise the canals.

We are plotting a fall Munich, Paris, London and Paris Journey for a group of eight friends – in memory of a dear friend and family member, an intrepid traveler who passed away this year. A Toast to a Well Lived Life and Enchanting Travel.

Paris

Last but not least, Punta Mita Four Seasons was chock a block full of our spring break clients!

Four Seasons Punta Mita

The globe is whirling with exotic options – days are lengthening, plan a Journey!