The Greenbrier resort is stunning from the outside. The hotel is nestled so proudly into the mountains of West Virginia. Yet as incredible as it is on the outside, it is what is behind it’s walls, underneath it’s floors, and behind its doors that truly dazzles.
The purpose of our family’s visit to The Greenbrier, was to learn more about the resort’s famed pastry program led by the world renowned, Chef Jean-Francois Suteau. We were curious to find out if the resort’s chefs had begun plans for their celebrated Easter display. Yet in the end, our visit was so much more than anything we could have ever planned. Not only was the tour of the massive kitchen, the Congressional Cold War bunker, and the gorgeous colorful palette of rooms impressive, but the genuine hospitality was just as sweet and refined as the famed pastries we sought out during our visit.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by two Directors of Resort Communications, Mr. Erik Hastings and Mr. Cam Huffman. After a fascinating historical overview of the resort, we were taken through several opulent dining rooms, back a hallway and to a little black door.
We could have never imagined what we would uncover behind this little modest door….
Mr. Hastings opened the door and led us down a long hallway to the pastry kitchen. Within the kitchen stood some of the most noteworthy pastry chefs in the world. There were buckets of chocolate chips, containers of edible gold leaf, sprinkles galore, and the one and only Chef Devin Cowan, (total rockstar). Chef Cowan guided us through the impressive kitchen and behind a hidden corner to a gorgeous hand made sculpture made exclusively from chocolate. We tasted Macaroons, Opera Cakes, cookies and homemade candies, (it was like a mom-of-three’s ultimate dream come true, y’all)! Overall, the pastry team’s attention to detail, skill and dedication to all things sweet was astounding. I think the boxes of sprinkles and chocolate chips were far more well-contained than our reactions to this extraordinary operation.
If you have thought about taking your children to visit The Greenbrier, Easter weekend is one of the best times of the year to make the trip. During our visit, we learned that the pastry team’s elaborate Easter plans were well underway, and without divulging any details, we think chocolate will play an important roll in this year’s Easter festivities. In addition to the sweets, the resort has tons of activities planned for families throughout Easter weekend. The resort is hosting a huge Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, cookie decorating class, woven basket workshop and quite a bit more. And this is recommendation is coming from another mom, not a spokesperson of any kind for The Greenbrier.
After we left the Greenbrier we were all reminded that no matter how lovely something, someone or some place may be on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that always matters most. If you have the opportunity to take a family vacation to The Greenbrier, we would genuinely recommend the trip. You will be met with layer upon layer of hospitality and beauty from the inside out.
We want to give a tremendous thank you to Mr. Erik Hastings, Mr. Cam Huffman, Chef Jean-Francois Suteau, Chef Devin Cowan, and the Pastry Team of The Greenbrier for their unparalleled hospitality.
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