Big news! We are returning to teach at the Inns of St. Albans, this spring. April 4-6, 2025. It will be nonstop fun, delicious food and all of the cooking tips you want. Want more information? Visit The Inns of St. Albans site for details on the spring, 2025 classes. It is the ideal escape for a perfect get-away!
The pictures below were taken when we last visited this magical place! We can’t wait to return.
So, for just a glimpse of this beautiful spot, enjoy this post from 2023! The food and classes will be fresh and new, but the fun and beauty remains the same.
We just returned home from an amazing place! The unparalleled beauty of nature, historic grandeur, luxurious accommodations, beautiful wedding venues, food and wonderful people came together and we know why they call it utopia! That definitely sums up our time at the Inns of St. Albans, but words cannot really describe it.
We were guest teachers for a culinary camp at The Inns of St. Albans, in St. Albans, Missouri. The historic village, nestled along the Missouri River is truly beautiful. The owners, Datra and David Herzog have restored the grand historic homes and transformed them into incredible event sites.
A cottage on the left, and the International Choux Co., cooking school, on the right.
Below: Roxanne preparing for a class.
The entire staff at the inn was wonderful and we developed lasting friendships with the people in our classes. We miss everyone already!
The cooking school is named the International Choux Co., cooking school, in honor of the International Shoe Company. That huge shoe company was co-founded by Isaac Johnson in the early 1900’s and this beautiful spot was once the summer home of Irene and Isaac Johnson.
We taught four different classes—Cast Iron Pizza was first, and that pizza was accompanied by homemade herbed ricotta and charred tomato bruschetta, and our skillet chocolate chip cookie. The next day, we shared recipes for a Romantic Picnic that included a fresh green salad, savory Chicken and Swiss Pop Tarts, BLT Deviled Eggs and Blueberry Yogurt Bundt Cake. Then, on to a cocktail party with Mojito Slushies (perfect for a hot summer day), Potato and Salsa Verde Tortillas and Meatball Tapas. A Cast Iron Baking class, with breads, scones, and snickerdoodle bars followed. For the closing event, the chef at the Inns of St. Albans prepared our recipes for a Lillet Spritz, Gougeres, a delicious roasted corn salad with zucchini and summer vegetables, strip steak with herb butter, Bistro Potato and Leek Gratin, and capped it all off with Peach Crostata topped with ice cream.
Do you see why they called it utopia (Not only is it beautiful, their wine, from grapes gown in their vineyard, will be called Utopia, after a commissioned art piece about the area.) It was truly an incredible experience. Little, tree-lined roads, winding from Chesterfield, near St. Louis will take you to the Inns of St. Albans, and it is worth your drive. Check it out! You might book a corporate event or wedding there. Register for the upcoming events and classes or pick up a delicious sandwich at the Head’s Store restaurant. Or just schedule a time to relax and unwind in a spot so beautiful that you will hardly believe it exists.
Want to share our fun? Here are a few pictures from our trip.
The Studio, one of the historic structures at the inn.
Roxanne and Kathy, with the Missouri River winding behind us.
And the food! Our Artisan Bread, topped with a cheese, mushroom and bacon topping, above. Below, what about lemon scones with fresh berries!
Leave a Reply