When most people think about a girls’ trip, they picture beach chairs, spa days or maybe a long weekend of great meals out. But what if your next getaway left you with something more than just memories?
What if you came home more confident in your kitchen, inspired to cook again, and already planning your next dinner party?
That’s exactly what happened when Athena Brockman, Crystal McCaughey, JoAnn Clark and Alyssa Van Horn joined us for Culinary Boot Camp.
JoAnn traveled from the Bay Area, while Athena, Crystal and Alyssa came in from Lake Tahoe — turning the week into a reunion, a getaway and a shared experience all in one.
A Destination Worth Traveling For
For this group, Culinary Boot Camp wasn’t just something to do while they were in Chicago — it was the reason for the trip.
Instead of planning around reservations or squeezing in activities, they committed to spending five full days learning something new together. And that’s what makes this kind of experience different.
You’re not just catching up over dinner. You’re fully engaged — cooking, learning, problem-solving and laughing your way through it side by side.
It Feels Like School… In the Best Way
Crystal summed it up perfectly:
“It felt kind of like going back to school, where you have your group of friends, and there's other kids in the class. It reminded me of the amount of fun that could be had with a group of girlfriends.”
But this isn’t passive learning. It’s hands-on, immersive and fast-paced — the kind of experience that pulls you out of your routine and into something completely different.
“I think as moms, we sometimes put the learning side of ourselves to the side… for me to have that kind of concentrated learning time with friends felt so unique in this season of life. I just loved it. The whole experience for me was so much fun, and so memorable.”
That’s what makes Culinary Boot Camp such a strong fit for a girls’ trip or reunion. It gives you space to reconnect while also doing something that feels meaningful.
From Comfortable to Confident
Athena came in already loving to cook. But Boot Camp pushed her in a new way.
“I gained confidence to take risks when entertaining. I've always loved cooking, and I'm a pretty good cook.”
That shift showed up almost immediately when she got home.
“I hosted some friends for dinner the other day, and I made the chicken piccata recipe, and I probably wouldn't have chosen a dish that has multiple steps right before it's served.”
Before Boot Camp, she played it safe — choosing recipes that could sit or be prepared ahead of time. But after?
“It was just really fun to execute it, to do it well, to time it right, to have it be actually even better than it was in class. So that was a win!”
That’s the difference between knowing how to cook and feeling confident doing it in real time.
Learning Beyond Recipes
For JoAnn, the experience wasn’t about learning something brand new — it was about seeing familiar concepts in a completely different way.
“I've butchered and cooked a whole fish since I've been home which I learned to do in boot camp.”
But more importantly:
“For me, the class was not so much about learning things on a micro level, but rather a macro level. For instance, the idea of using all the parts of an animal and how those parts contribute to other foods.”
That perspective shift is what sets Boot Camp apart.
“We butchered a chicken, and used the carcass for the stock. I already knew those things, but for some reason, being in that kitchen environment just really encouraged those ideas and gave me an appreciation for the art of it all.”
It’s not just about what you make — it’s how you think about cooking afterward.
Why This Works So Well With Friends
There’s something different about doing this with people you already know:
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You’re more relaxed.
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You’re more willing to try.
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And you’re more likely to enjoy the process — not just focus on the outcome.
Throughout the week, Athena, Crystal, Alyssa and JoAnn weren’t just learning individually — they were experiencing it together.
That means:
- Laughing through mistakes
- Celebrating small wins
- Sitting down each day to enjoy what they created
And those shared moments are what turn this from a class into something much bigger.
More Than a Trip—It Stays With You
A typical girls’ trip ends when you get home, but this one doesn’t.
You leave with:
- Skills you’ll use for years
- A new level of confidence in the kitchen
- A shared experience that continues long after the trip
Whether it’s hosting dinners, trying new techniques or simply enjoying cooking for your family more, the impact sticks.
If You’ve Been Talking About It… This Is Your Sign
Almost every group says the same thing: “We’ve been wanting to do something like this for a while.”
For Athena, Crystal, JoAnn and Alyssa, they made it happen — traveling from different destinations to spend a week in our kitchen and enjoy the city of Chicago at the same time. It turned into something they’ll carry with them far beyond those five days.
Ready to Plan Your Own Culinary Getaway?
If you’re looking for a girls’ trip (or guys' trip) that’s equal parts fun, challenging and rewarding, Culinary Boot Camp is a natural fit.
Bring a friend. Bring a group. Make a culinary vacation out of it. We’ll take care of the rest!
