Alisal Signature Experiences
BBQ Bootcamp
Meet Our BBQ Bootcamp Emcee
Valerie Gordon’s business acumen and warm, entertaining charm lend themselves to her extensive brand, including the flagship retail boutique Valerie Confections in HiFi, and a café and bakery showcasing her savory prowess in Echo Park. The celebrated Los Angeles chocolatier—and James Beard Finalist cookbook author for 2013’s Sweet—embraces a philosophy of telling compelling stories through flavor by ensuring every dish remains approachable, with nuanced interpretation. Gordon founded the confectionary in 2004 with her partner Stan Weightman Jr., and eventually guided Valerie Confections to become one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed boutique chocolatiers. Gaining recognition from national media outlets, TV networks, marquee food festivals, Gordon continues to push the boundary of her artisanal confections by collaborating with innovators in fields spanning fashion, design, and sustainability. Her versatile culinary knack includes handmade chocolates, preserves, historic California cakes, savory delights, and a new frontier involving nationally praised grilled desserts. An active community member, Gordon participates in organizations and events including L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, Planned the Parenthood Los Angeles Food Fare, No Kid Hungry, and others.
BBQ Bootcamp Instructors
Stay tuned for additional Guest Chef line up…
As Executive Chef at Alisal Ranch, Chef Erik Sandven brings Alisal Ranch the best ingredients the state’s central coast has to offer, while creating a sense of place for the hotel’s guests and embracing the ranch’s rich history through an array of dining experiences, including summer rodeos, the multi-day BBQ Bootcamp, weddings, the California Ranch Cookouts held throughout the year, and more.
Sandven began his culinary career in 2011 as a line cook at RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, quickly climbing the ranks to become the hotel’s saucier, and then sous chef. Six years later, he went to another iconic Orange County luxury hotel, The Resort at Pelican Hill, as the sous chef in their restaurants Pelican Grill and Andrea, before being promoted to chef de cuisine at the Coliseum restaurant.
In 2021, Sandven was recruited by The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara to be their banquet chef, during which he oversaw all banquet culinary functions and operations, the Club Lounge, as well as the Obar Kitchen. In 2023, Sandven joined Alisal Ranch.
Outside of the kitchen, Sandven enjoys spending time with his wife, visiting the local farmer’s markets, and playing golf.
BBQ Bootcamp
Sample Itinerary from 2024 Event
Day 1 – Sunday
4 pm
Check-in at the Ranch
5 pm
Welcome Demo with Chef Erik Sandven of Alisal Ranch
6:00 pm
Demo and Dinner with Chef Brad Wise
Day 2 – Monday
7 – 10 am
Breakfast available in the Ranch Room
Breakfast Ride
Join by horse or haywagon! Valerie Gordon will host a breakfast demo followed by a cowboy cookout breakfast
Lunch
Artisan Boxed Lunches Available.
1-3 pm
Pop up Shop at the Mercantile: stop by for cookbook signing, wine tasting, shopping, and mini-massage sessions
1 – 5 pm
Free time! Enjoy golf spa, horseback riding, and more.
5 pm
Happy Hour demo with Chef Kim Prince of Hotville Chicken
6 pm
Demo and Dinner with Chef Matt Horn.
Wine Tasting with Laeticia Winery and Beer Tastings with Firestone Brewery
7:30 pm
Line dancing
Day 3 – Tuesday
7 – 11 am
Breakfast at Leisure in the Ranch Room
9-11 am
Spice Blending Class on Creekside Lawn
11 am
Sadly, it’s check-out time. We hope to see you again soon!
Photos from Past Bootcamps
The spirit of adventure.
At Alisal Ranch, we believe that true hospitality comes straight from the heart— and want you to feel a warm welcome throughout your stay. Our serene Western-style accommodations offer casual and comfortable luxury, designed to help you unwind and relax.
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Hosted by the charismatic Sklar Brothers, renowned for their wit and humor, our men’s retreat is tailor-made for those seeking thrills, laughter, and a taste of the ranch life.
WILDWONDER
October 6-9, 2024
Our women’s retreat features female artisans, chefs, winemakers, cowgirls, wellness leaders, and more. Come join these inspiring women find connection and adventure at the ranch.
Act 2 at Alisal
March 9-11, 2025
Tap into your superpowers at the ranch with our debut “Act 2 at Alisal”, designed to help women embrace the power of midlife. This is your time!
WESTWARD
September 15-17, 2024
Hosted by the charismatic Sklar Brothers, renowned for their wit and humor, our men’s retreat is tailor-made for those seeking thrills, laughter, and a taste of the ranch life.
WILDWONDER
October 6-9, 2024
Our women’s retreat features female artisans, chefs, winemakers, cowgirls, wellness leaders, and more. Come join these inspiring women find connection and adventure at the ranch.
Act 2 at Alisal
March 9-11, 2025
Tap into your superpowers at the ranch with our debut “Act 2 at Alisal”, designed to help women embrace the power of midlife. This is your time!
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