On April 24, kids from all levels of culinary made the six-hour drive from Beverly Hills to Napa Valley to see the infamous Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

Chef Rick Leece expressed that he “wanted [the students] to experience new food, look at the culinary school, and [get] the opportunity to travel.”

Thursday evening, students made their arrival along with chaperones Chef Leece and Mr. Tessema Gardew. After checking into the motel, students unwinded and prepared to visit the CIA the next day.

The next day, students enjoyed breakfast together at a local diner. The institute was an hour away from the motel. Once the group arrived, they were greeted by Admissions Counselor Mauricio Gutierrez, who gave a tour of the campus. The tour consisted of exploring the varied kitchens on campus for cooking and commercial baking, as well as the ancient wineries.

Once the tour was over, the group dined at the famous CIA at Copia, where most enjoyed a set course menu, and then toured the restaurant’s museum that showcased various ancient cookware. 

On Saturday, the group made their way to Napa marketplaces where they bought pastries and various cheeses. 

“The Oxbow marketplace was my favorite part because you were able to try so many different things, and it was alive and vibrant,” senior Justin Goldstein said. 

Afterwards, the group shared their food at a picnic. By night, they dined at Laso, a Nepalese restaurant, where they had four courses: Samosa and Pakoda, Assorted Momo and Brussels sprouts, Nepalese family-style thali, and lastly Rasmali and Lalmohan.

The next morning, students and chaperones packed their bags and checked out of their hotel, ready to leave Napa behind. 

Overall, the trip was a resounding success, leaving students with knowledge that they can take with them to the culinary world.