About Culinary Fest
The Little Nell is pleased to present our fourth annual Culinary Fest from Sunday, July 7, to Wednesday, July 10. Over the course of three days, enjoy immersive culinary experiences led by renowned chefs and guided wine tastings from expert sommeliers, all the while experiencing a variety of locations within the heart of Aspen. The Culinary Fest Package includes all scheduled activities, such as the Italian Wine Luncheon to the Closing Reception + Gala Dinner, and more. As an added benefit, Full Package Culinary Fest participants receive preferred rates on accommodation at The Little Nell.
Chefs:
- Gabriel Kreuther, Chef and Owner of his eponymous two Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City, NY
- Suzette Gresham, Executive Chef and Owner of two Michelin-starred restaurant Acquerello in San Francisco, CA
- Yvon Goetz, Executive Chef and Partner at The Winery Restaurant in Newport Beach, CA
- Nathan Rich, Executive Chef at Twin Farms in Barnard, VT
- Matthew Zubrod, Culinary Director at The Little Nell
- Keith Theodore, Executive Chef at The Little Nell
- Barbara Marcos, Pastry Chef at The Little Nell
Sommeliers:
- Virginia Philip, Master Sommelier and Wine Director at The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL and CEO, Virginia Philip Wine, Spirits & Academy Palm Beach/Delray Beach, Florida
- Chris Dunaway, Advanced Sommelier and Wine Director at The Little Nell
- Rachael Liggett-Draper, Advanced Sommelier at The Little Nell
- Adam Darlington, Certified Sommelier at The Little Nell
- Jesse Libby, Certified Sommelier at The Little Nell
Agenda
Sunday, July 7
6 - 8 pm | Opening Reception | Courtyard
Join us in the Courtyard amidst The Little Nell Gardens for champagne and passed canapés inspired by French cuisine and culture. Meet the participating chefs and sommeliers as we toast to the start of the festival.
Recommended Dress Code: Cocktail Attire
Monday, July 8
7 - 10:30 am | Breakfast | Element 47
Enjoy the Element 47 breakfast menu at your leisure.
11:30 am - 2:30 pm | Italian Wine Luncheon | ASPENX Mountain Club
Ride the Silver Queen Gondola to an outdoor reception atop Aspen Mountain. Enjoy Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from Lombardy, while taking in scenic views of the Elk Mountain Range. Afterward, a seated lunch within the ASPENX Mountain Club will be presented by Michelin-starred Chef Suzette Gresham. Wines will be selected and served by Virgina Philip, Master Sommelier and Rachael Liggett-Draper, Advanced Sommelier. Desserts will be provided by Barbara Marcos, Pastry Chef at The Little Nell.
Gondola passes are complimentary.
Recommended Dress Code: Casual Chic - layers are recommended for the top of the mountain
6:30 - 8:30 pm | Small Plates Soirée | Ajax Tavern
Set on the outdoor patio of Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain, this tasting tour features a dish prepared by each participating Culinary Fest chef with paired wines and craft cocktails selected and poured by our sommelier team. Live music included.
Recommended Dress Code: Dressy Casual
9 - 10 pm | Late Night with Chefs and Somms | Wine Cellar
Interact with the participating chefs and sommeliers through a guided wine tasting in The Little Nell's acclaimed wine cellar featuring 20,000+ bottles from classic producers ranging from Romanée-Conti in Burgundy to Screaming Eagle in California.
Please note this event is not included in the package holder pass. Limited tickets available. Check-in for this event will be located at the Element 47 host stand.
Tuesday, July 9
9 - 11 am | Brunch by Twin Farms | Element 47 Garden Patio
Start the day with an à la carte brunch prepared by Chef Nathan Rich set amongst The Little Nell's Garden. Inspired by Vermont's finest produce and Twin Farms' estate-grown herbs and vegetables, the menu’s cuisine will be an ode to summer’s bounty using seasonal ingredients.
1 - 2 pm | Wine Seminar with Master Sommelier Virginia Philip | The Wine Bar
Virginia Philip oversees the wine program at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, and also owns and runs The Virginia Philip Wine Academy in Palm Beach and Delray Beach. As a special treat for passholders, Virginia will present a wine class along with The Little Nell's Wine Director, Chris Dunaway, paired with light bites from The Little Nell.
6:30 pm – 10 pm | Closing Reception and Gala Dinner | Courtyard and Element 47
Celebrate the final night of Culinary Fest with a cocktail reception in the Courtyard featuring canapés, champagne, and live music, followed by a seven-course seated dinner with wine pairings prepared by all participating chefs and sommeliers.
Recommended Dress Code: Cocktail Attire
10 - 11 pm | Late Night with Chefs and Somms | Wine Cellar
Interact with the participating chefs and sommeliers through a guided wine tasting in The Little Nell's acclaimed wine cellar featuring 20,000+ bottles from classic producers ranging from Romanée-Conti in Burgundy to Screaming Eagle in California.
Please note this event is not included in the package holder pass. Limited tickets available. Check-in for this event will be located at the Element 47 host stand.
Wednesday, July 10
7 - 10:30 am | Farewell Breakfast | Element 47
Bid farewell at Element 47 with breakfast at your leisure.