30-Sep-2008
Chef/Hostess Nathalie Dupree, cookbook author, teaching chef and PBS TV personality will host a week-long culinary vacation in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, in February, 2009.
San Miguel was named a Mexican National Monument and was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will be Ms. Dupree's first venture in Mexico and will feature a “complete culinary vacation and artistic exploration.” There will be 5 days of classes to be held at the Sazon Cooking School, operated by the Sierra Nevada Hotel,a member of the Orient Express family of fine hotels, trains, cruises and cooking schools. Classes will take place daily from 1:00 until 3:00 pm.
Ms. Dupree will do a complete meal per day and in her words promises to “take the fear out of creating fine cuisine while putting the fun in.” A wide array of morning activities will also be provided. On Monday morning, a walking tour or the historic city will be provided acclimating everyone and pointing out the history of this fabulous colonial city. A food market tour will also be included. The rest of the morning will be open for individual explorations.
Morning #2 will include a visit to the fabulous DaNisha sculpture studio/factory/gallery followed by a short ride to Decoraciones San Miguel for a look at the factory and gallery featuring custom furniture, ironwork, bronzes, lighting, decorating accessories, art and antiques. Next door, is the famed Instituto Allende, a 17th century hacienda, and now a cultural center filled with historic murals, galleries, fountains, jewelry shops, and breathtaking views of the city. On Morning #3, the group will be driven into the surrounding countryside with a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, called the “Sistine Chapel” of Mexico followed by a short ride to the Galleria Atotonilco , a unique Gaudiesque hacienda and gallery. Participants will see a fabulous collection of one-of-a-kind ceramics, sculptures, folk art, country furniture and antiques, as well as paintings, weavings, etc, which can be purchased. Morning #4 will feature a guided tour of La Fabrica Aurora, the area's foremost art and design center,with studios, galleries, furniture, sculpture, decorating accessories. The tour will also include meetings with the artists, and much more.
This week-long culinary and artistic vacation is presented by Art Advertures, Inc. The package includes 6 nights and 7 days at the Mansion Virreyes Hotel with daily breakfasts, the classes, tours, a candlelight rooftop dinner, a welcome reception and a cocktail/dinner party at the five star Sierra Nevada Hotel.
San Miguel de Allende was voted the number 3 top tourist destination in the America's by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Founded over 500 years ago by Spanish explorers and silver merchants, San Miguel boasts an eternal spring-like climate thanks to it's 6,200 foot elevation. The unique architecture and colors provide a “step back in time” often reminiscent of Italy yet without the high costs.
Nathalie Dupree has hosted over 300 television cooking shows on PBS and authored 10 best-selling cookbooks. She holds an Advanced Certificate from the Cordon Bleu and is often considered the founder of the “New Southern Cuisine” movement. Ms. Dupree has developed a large following over the years since starting the famous Rich´s Cooking School in Atlanta in the 1970's.
For registration, explanation of all fees and for mail or online payment click on the link below or email DRoy189262@aol.com. NOTE: Slight alerterations in the above schedule may occur but all activities will be included. UPGRADES TO THE FIVE STAR SIERRA NEVADA HOTEL ARE AVAILABLE AT SPECIAL PRICES, OFFERED ONLY TO CLASS PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR COMPANIONS. Details available by e-mailing DRoy189262@aol.com.
