2 min read

Key Takeaways From The 2018 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

Katie Bonneau : July 10, 2018

It’s like Coachella for the food world. The 36th annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, saw 5,000 chefs, alcohol producers, brand ambassadors, and party goers all coming together to discover the most exciting places, new experiences and emerging trends in the culinary world. This premier culinary event is held over three incredible days, offering cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions in a spectacular Rocky Mountain setting. The connections made in Aspen set the course for the drinks you’ll drink and the food you’ll eat in the upcoming month as buyers spot – and set – trends. Here are a few key takeaways and notable moments from 2018.

Kitchen Culture in the #metoo Era

As with countless other industries, the restaurant scene has been grappling with issues of sexual harassment and misconduct. At a panel hosted by Hunter Lewis, Gabrielle Hamilton defended her choice to partner with Ken Friedman at The Spotted Pig as part of a discussion about how to improve kitchen culture. Other participants included Hugh Acheson, Will Guidara, and Traci Des Jardins. Some suggestions:

Positive reinforcement
Be a mentor
Allow creativity and autonomy
Hire diverse staff

Branding Gone Bananas

Big (and upcoming) name brands showed off their latest and greatest at Aspen F&W.

KitchenAid® returned this year bigger than ever. The cooking experience was brought to life with six master classes scheduled throughout the three days with live demonstrations from world-class chefs.
The country of Peru was a major sponsor this year, and even brought in alpacas to up guests’ selfie games.
Gin is having a moment. Hendrick's jumped on board with a retro-looking machine that makes the perfect G&T.
Blue Moon capitalized on this national moment to bring top media to their RiNo distillery in Denver, saying in effect: “Hey, come write about us and we will transport you and get you into Aspen Food & Wine...and pick up the tab.” Good deal.
Gwyneth Paltrow opened a Goop Aspen pop-up shop during the city’s Food & Wine Classic festival, highlighting the flavors and textures of the West with the help of superstar chef Seamus Mullen.
Outdoor Voices, the new “it” fitness brand also opened a pop-up in Aspen, in addition to hosting a media/influencer hike during the festival.

#Trending

Just a handful of hot trends we spotted this year.

Canned Wine Craze – Between Romona canned wine from JBF award winner Jordan Salcito dominating parties and Infinite Monkey Theorem sponsoring the famed Wine at the Mine party...cans were crushed everywhere.
Wellness Warriors – Along with Outdoor Voices’ presence in Aspen, FitFoodies offered yoga classes on the top of the mountain, and other wellness-centric activations. The festival was dominated by moments of wellness (mental and physical) woven into indulgence.
Aloha, Aspen – The weekend was full of luau- and nautical-themed events from the RiNo Yacht Club Trade Afternoon Social, and the Trade Summer Luau to the Patron Luau party. Tiki is still comin' in hot...
Southern Hospitality – With chefs Ashley Christensen, Hugh Acheson, and Tim Love leading the charge, there was a huge Southern presence at the festival.
Rebirth of Rye – When Dave Wondrich (one of the world’s foremost cocktail authorities) speaks, the industry listens. He gave an entire panel dedicated to the rise rye. Get ready to see this beloved spirit everywhere.

1 min read

Four Food Bloggers You Need To Follow

Imani Rivera : July 24, 2018

You check the explore page on Instagram and see nothing but mouthwatering sights. Perfect plates of carbonara. Neatly sliced pieces of chocolate...

1 min read

Under-the-Radar Foodie Gems in the Midwest

Emilie King : January 17, 2020

If you think of the Midwest as a culinary flyover zone – think again. From new food halls to European-inspired brunch outposts, here are a few food &...

2 min read

Where To Eat Now (According To EATER and TURNER)

Tyler Wilcox : November 14, 2018

As dedicated foodies and constant travelers, the TURNER team always appreciates a good nationwide restaurant round-up. And year after year, EATER’s...