A Culinary Journey at the 2025 Food & Wine Classic: Day 3 Highlights

The final day of the 2025 Food & Wine Classic in picturesque Aspen delivered delightful moments that sparkled as bright as the wines poured. From Portugal’s rich vineyards to exciting breakfast battles, let’s dive into the highlights that adorned this unforgettable gastronomic gathering.

Exploring Portugal: “Portugal in a Bottle”

A Journey Through Wine’s Rich History

As Portugal tantalizes my travel plans, I couldn’t resist joining Miles White and Femi Oyediran’s captivating seminar titled “Portugal in a Bottle: Delicious Wines from the World’s Hottest Destination.” Attendees were treated to an impressive array of wines, starting with a sparkling drink reminiscent of mimosa bliss, transitioning through vibrant whites, a refreshing rosé, and concluding with robust reds.

“Portugal in a Bottle: Delicious Wines from the World’s Hottest Destination” seminar at the 2025 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Jennika Ingram/Courtesy photo.

The presenters emphasized that the price point for these exquisite wines rarely climbs above $40 USD, ensuring that wine aficionados can sip without breaking the bank. While the alcohol content ranged from a light 9% to a more robust 13%, perfect for lunch pairings, the seminar concluded with lively audience questions that showcased the presenters’ encyclopedic knowledge of Portugal’s wine heritage.

Breakfast in Bed: A Culinary Showdown

“Between Buns: A Breakfast Sandwich Showdown”

Sunday’s excitement crescendoed with the “Between Buns” breakfast sandwich showdown at the luxurious St. Regis. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited a chef showdown between local favorite Mawa McQueen and Seattle’s Shota Nakajima.

From left to right: Aspen chef Mawa McQueen, Aspen Times columnist Lorenzo Semple, and Seattle-based chef Shota Nakajima. Lorenzo Semple/Courtesy photo.

With cheerful host Justin Chappelle setting the stage, both chefs entered their culinary arena with personalized walk-in tunes. Ingredients were shared, creating a thrilling culinary dance in a tight space. Unexpected elements, such as Goldfish snacks and quail eggs, added an unusual twist to the competition.

Each chef prepared two identical sandwiches—one for the camera and one for the judges. Mawa dazzled the audience with a lamb-wich you’ll find nowhere else, featuring egg yolk, Brie, and carmelized onions, while Shota’s traditional egg-and-cheese Japanese sando on milk bread was equally captivating. Ultimately, Mawa emerged victorious, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Cooking Chemistry with Nancy Silverton and Phil Rosenthal

“Nancy Feeds Phil: A Match Made in the Kitchen”

At Paepcke Tent 2, culinary royalty took center stage as Nancy Silverton and Phil Rosenthal graced the crowd with “Nancy Feeds Phil.” Their camaraderie, honed over 25 years, radiated throughout the session, showcasing delectable dishes and their upcoming diner project, Max and Helen’s.

Nancy Silverton and Phil Rosenthal during their lively seminar, May Selby/Courtesy photo.

With Silverton’s expert hands whisking up light and fluffy donettes and French toast, Rosenthal shared childhood stories, infusing nostalgia and joy into every bite. Attendees eagerly anticipated their diner menu, filled with classic favorites, ensuring a taste of community with each visit.

California Royalty: A Wine Lover’s Dream

“California Royalty: California’s Top Winemakers”

For wine enthusiasts, attending Mark Oldman’s “California Royalty” seminar was a must. With every seat occupied, the excitement was palpable as Oldman transformed mundane wine education into a lively dialogue.

Audience member shows successful uncorking at Mark Oldman’s “California Royalty” seminar, Jennika Ingram/The Aspen Times.

Oldman’s infectious energy and humor engaged the audience while showcasing extraordinary California wines. He spotlighted female winemakers, making the experience both educational and uplifting. His invitation for audience participation, asking them to uncork bottles, turned a casual seminar into an interactive wine party.

Final Thoughts: A Weekend to Remember

As the 2025 Food & Wine Classic wrapped up, the culinary experiences shared were not just about food and drink; they were about community, joy, and the artistry that brings us together. This event not only celebrated flavors but also forged connections among food lovers and creators alike.

For more details on upcoming events and sessions, check the official Food & Wine website.

Stay tuned for more mouthwatering adventures from the gastronomic world. Until next time!