A Culinary Adventure at the 2025 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
This year’s Food & Wine Classic in Aspen was a feast for the senses, brimming with excitement, flavor, and vibrant culinary exchanges. From tantalizing wine tastings to intense chef cook-offs, every event unfolded like an exhilarating episode of a cooking show!
Sip the Best: Portugal in a Bottle
Kicking off the sun-drenched Sunday, the seminar, “Portugal in a Bottle: Delicious Wines from the World’s Hottest Destination”, drew wine lovers eager to explore the robust spirit of Portugal. Miles White and Femi Oyediran, the passionate co-owners of Graft Wine Shop in Charleston, curated an impressive selection of wines that showcased the diversity and richness unique to this Iberian nation.
A Tasting Journey
- Sparkling delights reminiscent of mimosas
- Refreshing whites and a lively rosé
- Bold reds to round out the tasting experience
Priced affordably at or below $40 USD, these selections offered a perfect introduction to Portugal’s burgeoning wine scene. Whether you’re looking for a midday sip or a sunset toast, the wines ranged from 9% to 13% alcohol content, making them perfect for lunch pairings. The seminar wrapped with engaging Q&A moments, diving deep into Portugal’s rich vinous history.
Breakfast in Bed: The Showdown
Hold onto your forks! The “Between Buns: A Breakfast Sandwich Showdown” turned heads and tantalized taste buds as chefs competed in a thrilling cook-off at the St. Regis. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, reminiscent of a Food Network showdown, as Mawa McQueen and Shota Nakajima went head-to-head.
Culinary Challenge
- Secret ingredients included Goldfish snacks, pepper sauce, and quail eggs
- A shared space under the high-altitude pressure kept the competition fierce
Each chef crafted dual sandwiches—one to dazzle the audience and the other for the judges. Mawa delivered an avant-garde lamb-wich bursting with colors, while Shota’s traditional Japanese “sando” showcased skillful layers of omelet. Mawa clinched victory, sending the crowd into a frenzy! Though we didn’t sample the creations directly, a delicious focaccia breakfast sandwich and the iconic Bloody Mary served as the perfect consolation.
Dining Delight: Nancy Meets Phil
Sunday morning also spotlighted culinary titans Nancy Silverton and Phil Rosenthal in their seminar, “Nancy Feeds Phil: A Match Made in the Kitchen.”
Dynamic Duo of Flavors
Their chemistry was palpable, filled with warmth and humor as they prepared dishes from their forthcoming diner, Max and Helen’s. Highlights included:
- Fluffy omelets with a twist
- Grilled French toast and delightful donettes dusted with powdered sugar
Rosenthal shared heartwarming memories of his parents and their beloved recipes, pointing to the deep-rooted community spirit that diners foster. With seating arrangements for 80 and a promise of breakfast served all day, this diner is set to be a foodie sanctuary.
The Royal Experience: A Toast to California Wines
Lastly, attendees were treated to an interactive seminar, “California Royalty: California’s Top Winemakers,” led by the charismatic Mark Oldman. The session electrified with humor and outstanding wine knowledge, as the audience participated in a lively discussion on California’s finest.
Uncorking Inspiration
Oldman spotlighted female winemakers and shared tips for elevating your wine game. Engaging the audience like a master conductor, he orchestrated an unforgettable exploration of the region’s most enchanting flavors.
The 2025 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen captivated with culinary treasures that both entertained and educated. Whether sipping fine wines or reveling in chef rivalries, this festival showcased flavors that linger long after the last bite. Mark your calendars; it’s an event you won’t want to miss next year!

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