The intersection of luxury hospitality and culinary excellence was on full display this past weekend as Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection hosted its fifth annual Epicurean Passport Weekend in Aspen. The event has quickly cemented itself as one of the most anticipated gatherings on the culinary calendar, drawing renowned chefs, industry insiders, and celebrities alike for a weekend of gastronomic celebration.
A Culinary Constellation Descends on Aspen
This year's event continued the tradition of bringing together culinary heavyweights for a series of exclusive dining experiences. Kyle Richards, television personality and longtime friend of Hotel Jerome, made an early appearance to preview standout dishes before the official festivities began. Her presence set the tone for what would be a weekend filled with star power both in and out of the kitchen.
The culinary talent assembled for the weekend read like a who's who of innovative chefs shaping today's dining scene. Award-winning pastry chef Camari Mick brought her creative approach to desserts that have earned her recognition across the industry. Michelin-starred chef Mary Attea showcased the refined techniques that have made her a standout in fine dining circles.
International flair came courtesy of Mattia Agazzi, known for his work at the famed Osteria Gucci, while Los Angeles culinary legends Ludo Lefebvre and Neal Fraser brought West Coast sensibilities to the mountain setting. The presence of socialite Julie Macklowe, who has made waves with her luxury whiskey brand, added another layer of beverage expertise to the mix.
Beyond Celebrity: Crafting Meaningful Culinary Moments
While the star power was undeniable, the weekend transcended mere celebrity spotting. Hotel Jerome has masterfully positioned the Epicurean Passport Weekend as more than just a see-and-be-seen affair—it's a genuine celebration of culinary craft and innovation that provides valuable insight into where the industry is heading.
"Events like these are increasingly important for our industry," notes hospitality consultant Rachel Marks, who attended the weekend. "They create opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas between chefs from different regions and backgrounds. The collaborations that emerge often influence menu development and dining trends nationwide."
Weekend Highlights: A Curated Culinary Journey
The weekend's programming reflected the thoughtful curation that has become the hallmark of this annual gathering. Each event offered a distinct perspective on contemporary dining while maintaining the sophistication expected from the historic Hotel Jerome.
Gather in the Garden: A Benefit for World Central Kitchen
One of the weekend's standout events brought together LA culinary powerhouses Ludo Lefebvre, Mattia Agazzi, and Neal Fraser for an outdoor celebration benefiting World Central Kitchen. The chefs created a menu that highlighted sustainable ingredients while raising funds for José Andrés' organization, which continues to provide meals in the wake of disasters worldwide.
"Connecting our craft to causes that matter is essential," Chef Fraser commented during the event. "World Central Kitchen exemplifies how our industry can mobilize quickly to make a tangible difference in crisis situations."
Celebrating Two Decades of PRESS Napa Valley
A six-course dinner honoring the 20th anniversary of PRESS Napa Valley offered guests an exploration of the restaurant's influential approach to wine country dining. Chef Philip Tessier and Samantha Rudd guided attendees through a menu that showcased the evolution of California cuisine paired with exceptional Napa Valley wines.
The dinner highlighted the importance of institutional knowledge and legacy in an industry often focused on the next trend. For restaurant professionals in attendance, it provided a masterclass in balancing innovation with respect for culinary heritage—a lesson applicable across all dining segments.
Trick Dog Takes Over Bad Harriet
The craft cocktail movement was well-represented when San Francisco's acclaimed Trick Dog team transformed Bad Harriet, the hotel's sophisticated speakeasy-style bar. Featuring creative concoctions made with LALO Tequila, the takeover demonstrated how collaborations between established venues can create buzz and introduce audiences to new flavor profiles.
For beverage directors and bar managers, the execution offered valuable insights into creating limited-time experiences that drive traffic while maintaining brand integrity—a lesson increasingly relevant as the non-alcoholic beverage boom continues to reshape bar programs nationwide.
Night of SHE: Celebrating Women in Food and Wine
Perhaps most significant from an industry perspective was the Night of SHE event, a celebration of female talent in food and wine that benefited Response, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The gathering showcased the contributions of women chefs, winemakers, and hospitality professionals in an industry still working toward gender parity.
"Events that specifically highlight women in culinary leadership positions remain crucial," says Jenna Torres, chef-owner of three acclaimed restaurants and an attendee at the weekend. "They create visibility and networking opportunities that help address persistent inequities in our field."
The evening featured collaborative dishes and wine pairings that demonstrated the diversity of approaches among female culinary professionals, moving beyond tokenism to celebrate genuine creativity and technical excellence.
Garden Brunch: Collaborative Excellence
The weekend concluded with a garden brunch that brought together PopUp Bagels, Petrossian Caviar, and Aspen Vodka for a sophisticated take on morning dining. The collaboration demonstrated how even breakfast concepts can be elevated through thoughtful partnerships and premium ingredients.
For operators looking to enhance their brunch service—still a significant revenue driver for many establishments—the execution provided a template for creating memorable experiences through strategic collaborations with specialty purveyors.
Design Elements Elevate the Experience
Throughout the weekend, attention to detail distinguished each event. Waterford crystal added elegance to table settings, while Rafanelli Events brought their renowned design expertise to transform spaces within the historic property. The integration of these premium elements highlighted how environmental design contributes to the overall dining experience—a consideration increasingly important as restaurants compete for consumer attention in a crowded marketplace.
Industry Implications: Lessons from Luxury Events
While the Epicurean Passport Weekend operates at the luxury end of the hospitality spectrum, it offers valuable insights applicable across the industry. The successful integration of cause-related components—from the World Central Kitchen benefit to the Night of SHE fundraiser—demonstrates how culinary events can align with social responsibility, an increasingly important consideration for consumers.
The weekend also highlighted the continued importance of in-person experiences in an increasingly digital world. As AI and technology reshape many aspects of the food service industry, the human connections formed during events like this remain irreplaceable and remind us that hospitality, at its core, is about creating memorable moments through personal interaction.
For operators considering their own special events, the Epicurean Passport Weekend offers a masterclass in curation. By thoughtfully selecting collaborators whose values and approaches complement each other, Hotel Jerome created a cohesive experience greater than the sum of its parts—a strategy that can be applied at any price point.
Looking Forward: The Evolution of Culinary Events
As the Epicurean Passport Weekend marks its fifth year, its evolution reflects broader shifts in how culinary experiences are packaged and presented. The integration of multiple touchpoints—from charitable components to educational elements—signals a maturation beyond simple chef demonstrations or tasting menus.
For food and beverage professionals, the event serves as both inspiration and barometer. The techniques showcased, ingredients highlighted, and collaborative approaches demonstrated offer a glimpse into what sophisticated consumers expect from dining experiences in 2025 and beyond.
More importantly, the weekend reinforces the continued relevance of in-person culinary events in building brand equity. In an era when many marketing dollars have shifted to digital channels, Hotel Jerome's investment in creating immersive, multi-day experiences demonstrates confidence in the enduring power of gathering people around exceptional food and drink.
As the hospitality industry continues to navigate post-pandemic realities, events like the Epicurean Passport Weekend point toward a future where quality, authenticity, and meaningful connections remain the cornerstone of memorable dining experiences—a lesson valuable for establishments at every price point and concept type.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
