Honeymooners: Start Married Life in the Kitchen

The Honeymooners Start Your First Five Days of Married Life– in the Kitchen of Clifton.!
 
When Thomas Jefferson’s daughter Martha married Thomas Mann Randolph in 1790, her dowry included the parcel of land on which they built Clifton.
 
It is pretty certain that Martha and Thomas didn’t have to do much of their own cooking – but times have changed – and today’s newlyweds can make the most of their great adventure in life by learning to cook five essential dishes, gather pantry suggestions, and learn of the proper pans and utensils to have at hand. Clifton wants to help with the couple’s first week at home and to insure a proper meal to the table for at least five days.
 
After all, for all its historic significance, Clifton is most cherished by all the subsequent newlyweds who have celebrated in Virginia at this Relais & Châteaux property, whose quiet charm enhances romantic events from proposals to weddings to honeymoons.  And now, newlyweds at Clifton can take advantage of this key feature of the inn:  its esteemed chef, Dean Maupin, acting as your own personal guide in the kitchen.
 
A ‘local’ of understated character and tremendous talent, Dean offers newly married couples a custom-devised menu for their first week home together, taking into account their preferences and dislikes, available time, and cooking experience.  The bound notebook they are presented with includes a grocery list for the week, as well as a suggested list of ‘stock’ items for their particular pantry, and a checklist of essential kitchen equipment.  Most importantly, he will put the couple through their paces in an intensive private cooking class featuring a number of dishes from their menu.  This is no gentle demonstration: as they learn to create what will become their household’s ‘signature dishes,’ they will certainly want to wear their Clifton aprons, which become practical souvenirs of their honeymoon culinary training.
 
The cost for this special add-on package is $250 per couple; advance reservation required. Rates begin at $225 per night, double occupancy, taxes excluded.
 
Clifton – 1296 Clifton Inn DriveCharlottesville, Virginia22911 – www.cliftoninn.net