The CIA at Copia: A Culinary Adventure Steps From Downtown Napa

{Full disclosure: This experience was provided to me at no charge.}

Have you guys heard of the CIA at Copia in downtown Napa? If you’re like most people I’ve talked with, you either probably haven’t, are wondering what food and the CIA have to do with one another, or think it’s just for people who are studying to be chefs. Let’s get the truth straight because this is a place you MUST know about!

CIA stands for Culinary Institute of America…nothing secret service about it. 🙂 This building is an extension of the main CIA school up valley in St. Helena that is meant to be a more public facing facility. The CIA at Copia is a wine and food lovers heaven, as it offers so many different culinary adventures ranging from cooking classes, wine tastings, demonstrations, concerts, the list goes on!

I had a really tough time choosing from the class schedule, but when I saw a brunch class was offered, I was sold. You all know how much I love brunch. To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when showing up for this class at the CIA at Copia, but was pleasantly surprised and left with a smile and a full tummy (very full tummy).

The Chef’s Table: Sunday Brunch

This is a very intimate experience where you feel like you’re on set of a cooking show. Front row you have a great view of what the chef is cooking up – the best part, you get to eat it. BIG PORTIONS TOO. In addition, my glass was never empty, as they kept the Mumm Napa bubbles and Gran Moraine Rosé flowin’. They sure know how to win a girls heart.

Here’s a quick rundown of what was on the menu:

• Friseé salad with maple roasted butternut squash and warm pancetta vinaigrette
• Herbed potato waffles with horseradish cream – I died and went to heaven on this course.
• Cinnamon chocolate monkey bread

Such a fun way to learn how to whip up an impressive brunch, score some new recipes, valuable cooking tricks and eat brunch with friends all in one sitting. I highly suggest this for your next Sunday activity in Napa. This would be a great activity with a group of friends, your mom, or as a date – really anyone who appreciates food and wine.

You can see the full calendar of classes here: CIA at Copia Class Calendar

Thank you for the great experience CIA at Copia. I will be back for another experience very soon! And thank you Jaclyn for being my eating and drinking buddy!

Cheers,

Raquel