It is Sunday, and I am looking into Yosemite National Park. Snow is still covering the peeks and it is Sunday Brunch at Ahwahnee. Ahwahnee means, “Land of the gaping mountain”. You see, our ancestors named locations by the spirit of the place. That is true prestige. Ahwahnee was named after the Ahwaneechee people that came to Yosemite Valley. Designed in 1925 by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, July 16, 1927 is the official birthday of the Ahwahnee.
The huge windows at Ahwahnee are 37 feet high, and the ceilings are around 45 feet high. It is truly majestic. The large tree and magical fireplace with First Nations motif artwork lands itself to a memorable dining experience. While my eyes are entertained with the intricate artwork, my ears too are pleasured due to the music that echoes through the halls of Ahwahnee.
Conrad J. Picou III is a gentleman and a man of careful consideration. He cares about quality and refined hospitality. Just the way he fixes his jacket shows a man who knows the importance of fine service. Cliff, the Maitre’d has worked for the Ahwahnee for fifteen years and has been dining here for thirty.
Claudia, my beautiful hostess strolled me to my table, and Rachel, one of the chef’s is young. Her smiling is enthusiastic and she is proud and excited about her creations. I would love to see exotic mushrooms used in the preparations, including the salads. I enjoy the idea of the chefs. They use as many organic ingredients as they can. The buffet cuisine is classical American with a fair amount of vegetarian offerings.
Take it upon yourself to look up the collection of the First Nations Rugs in Yosemite that hang on the walls of Ahwahnee. The mystic symbols in the way of Ahwahnee reminds me of great heritage. It hurts that we almost completely lost the First Nations People of America from Mexico to Canada who inhabited these lands for approximately 50,000 years. For their contributions to America to be so grand, they are greatly overlooked. For those of us that appreciate such rich culture, the spirit of the Ahwaneechee people consumes the walls of Ahwahnee.
Rating—Cool