Yosemite: Cooking (and eating) with top chefs at the Ahwahnee

Foodies, spoil yourselves. Sit down to a five-course meal by candlelight at the Ahwahnee Hotel created by Suzanne Goin from Lucques in L.A or Rick Moonen of RM Seafood in Las Vegas. It’s all part of the Chefs’ Holidays sessions that bring 25 cooking pros to the chilly climes of Yosemite National Park in January and February.

Guests can sign up for one (or more) of eight sessions that feature face-time with a top chef who will share his or her talent and techniques as well as a moderator and two other professional cooks. Two- and three-day sessions begin with a chef reception followed by three cooking classes and a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen.

Then it’s the big night: a special meal prepared by the featured chef that’s paired with four wines and served in the Ahwahnee’s historic dining room. Featured chefs include Goin (Jan. 11-12), Moonen (Jan. 18-19), Peter Chastain of Prima in Walnut Creek, Calif., and others.

Date: The sessions are offered Jan. 8-Feb. 2.

Price: Room and cooking packages start at $665 at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and $896 at the Ahwahnee. It includes two- or three-night stays and admission for two to all the chef events. Those staying elsewhere can purchase dinner tickets for $199 per person, excluding tax. Group size for each session is limited to about 150.

Contact: Chefs’ Holidays, Ahwahnee Hotel, (801) 559-4903