La Toque Owner/Chef Ken Frank Presents Truffle Camp:
Three Days of Hands-On Experience with One of Cooking's Most Prized Delicacies

Napa, CA - Students Immerse Themselves in the Art of Truffle Preparation While Savoring The Westin Verasa, Napa's Luxurious New Surroundings Napa, Calif. (November, 2008) -Ken Frank, executive chef and owner of the renowned La Toque restaurant at The Westin Verasa, Napa, is giving food aficionados the rare opportunity to cook with one of the best chefs in the country while immersing themselves for three days in everything there is to know about the prized culinary delicacy known as the truffle. Ken Frank's Truffle Camps at La Toque are limited to eight students per session, to be held January 11-14, 2009 and January 18-21, 2009. Truffle Camp will include three days of dinners, wine tastings, luncheons, lodging in Napa's newest upscale resort and hands on experience preparing truffle dishes.

Chef Frank, whose restaurant is one of only a few in the world to feature a truffle menu, will share with the students during camp his immense knowledge about these flavorful fungi that have been called the jewel of French cuisine. The camp begins on Sunday evening with a welcome reception and dinner prepared by Chef Frank. On Monday morning, truffle lovers will gather in the La Toque kitchen for a hands-on cooking class led by Chef Frank. At the conclusion of the morning's session, the students and Chef Frank will enjoy the dishes they have prepared for Lunch. Monday Afternoon, Frank and the rest of the group will venture up-valley to Long Meadow Ranch. The group will tour the farm and taste the produce and other products Frank obtains from the ranch to prepare the meals that have earned his restaurant a prestigious Michelin Star. Monday night, participants are free to take advantage of The Westin's signature amenities or explore the many attractions located in downtown Napa.

On Tuesday morning, students will return to the La Toque kitchen for a second intensive cooking class with Chef Frank. After another lunch featuring the cuisine they prepared that morning, the group will travel with La Toque Wine Director Scott Tracy to a prestigious local winery, where they will enjoy a private tour and barrel tasting not open to the public. That night, everyone gathers back at The Westin Verasa, Napa, where La Toque will host an extravagant all-truffle dinner accompanied with Tracy's special wine pairings.

The festivities conclude on Wednesday morning, with a farewell breakfast of truffle omelets. Frank will then send off each participant with a truffle goodie bag to help create his or her own truffle specialties at home.

Ken Frank's Truffle Camp at La Toque is $2,900 per student based on single occupancy or $4,800 per couple based on double occupancy. The price includes three night's accommodations at The Westin Verasa, Napa in a deluxe one-bedroom suite, the five meals mentioned above, two hands on cooking classes with Chef Frank, the field trips to the farm and winery, goodie bag, recipes, wines served during the event and gratuities.

The Westin Verasa, Napa is located approximately two blocks west of Downtown Napa and is conveniently located near all of Napa Valley's attractions, including the wine train, wineries, COPIA, and the Oxbow Public Market.

For more information about the Truffle Camp, visit www.latoque.com.

For information on The Westin Verasa, Napa, visit www.westin.com/verasanapa..

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 150 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.