For a unique summer corporate retreat, one of Good Gracious’ clients recently invited their top executives to Santa Barbara’s El Capitan Canyon www.elcapitancanyon.comfor several days of education, camaraderie, and recreation.
This three-day event location was not a traditional hotel venue, but rather a luxury campground of surprisingly well-appointed cabins (the team called it “glamping”) tucked away here and there in the woods. A large common area served as the perfect meeting place for speakers, meetings, classes and themed dinner events.
For the more than 100 guests, the Good Gracious! team was on hand to design and produce two deliciously-themed dinners, two hot-off-the-coals cooking classes, and a wonderfully educational wine blending session.
One of the favorite dinners embraced the great outdoors while celebrating a “safari” theme. The menu featured appetizers such as Ostrich Burger Sliders with Brie and White Bean Hummus Crostini before guests sat down to a family-style feast of Quinoa Salad, Grilled Prawns with Preserved Lemon and Pan Roasted Curry Cornish Hen.
Attendees also were thrilled to work for their lunch by participating in one of two cooking classes under Good Gracious’ owner, Pauline Parry. After being greeted with a refreshing Blood Orange Shandy, everyone pitched in to create some great grilled items such as a Romaine Salad with Fresh Blueberry, Five Spice Rack of Lamb, and Beer Can Chicken “Up the Bum.” Strawberry Shortcake Cookies and Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies ended the meal with something deliciously sweet.
Another enthusiastic group of “students” took part in an educational wine blending seminar, led by winemaker Bion Rice of Santa Ynez’ Artiste Winery.
www.artiste.com
