A&E Agenda: Pastry Invitational, ‘Alpine Style’, and Spirit of Agave

Aspen Pastry Invitational, now through Saturday, Hotel Jerome, Aspen Meadows, and The Little Nell

Discover a world of Pastry at the Aspen Pastry Invitational, where the world’s top pastry chefs converge to showcase their culinary talent. Presented in collaboration with Hotel Jerome, Aspen Meadows, and The Little Nell, this sociable event features a stunning array of delectable treats and interactive workshops.
Immerse yourself in a day of pastry excellence, where you can gain insights from industry experts, refine your skills and, most importantly, enjoy their creations. The Aspen Pastry Invitational offers a unique blend of epicurean indulgence and hands-on learning in a captivating setting. Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the art and creativity of the world of pastry.
Friday:
- Festive World Treats with Tina Nguyen & Ben Kunert | Hotel Jerome
Embark on a global baking journey with festive treats from around the world. From traditional Panettone to an Asian-inspired Bûche de Noël, this course offers a captivating exploration of holiday baking traditions and innovations. - Healthy Pastries Workshop with Barbara Marcos | The Little Nell
Indulge in guilt-free treats with simple, healthy recipes. Learn how to create delicious vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar pastries that are perfect for a wholesome yet delightful baking experience at home. - Plated Dessert Master Class with Ben Kunert & Barbara Marcos | The Little Nell
Discover the secrets to crafting stunning plated desserts that delight and impress. Chefs Ben Kunert and Barbara Marcos will guide you through creative and fun techniques using simple ingredients to create visually captivating and delicious treats. - Salt & Sugar Collaboration with Barbara Marcos, Sara Figueiredo & Ben Kunert | Hotel Jerome/Bad Harriet
Experience a unique dessert adventure with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Chefs Barbara Marcos, Sara Figueiredos, and Benjamin Kunert join forces to create innovative dishes that highlight the harmonious interplay of salt and sugar for a memorable culinary experience.
Saturday:
- Frozen Dessert Workshop with Sara Figueiredo | Aspen Meadows – Kaufman Room
Cool down with a sweet escape into frozen desserts. Chef Sara Figueiredos will guide you through making delectable semifreddos, ice creams, and sorbets, introducing you to the art and science of crafting frozen treats. - Family Cake & Cupcake Decorating Workshop with Babara Marcos | The Little Nell
Get the whole family into the Halloween spirit with this fun and creative decorating workshop with Chef Barbara Marcos. From spooky ghosts to scary monsters, learn to decorate cakes and cupcakes that are as festive as they are delicious.
aspenmeadows.com/activities/event-calendar/2024-pastry-invitational
Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, ‘Alpine Style’ book signing, Saturday, 3-4 p.m., Felix Roasting Co, Hotel Jerome

Hotel Jerome is hosting a book signing event with author Kathryn O’Shea-Evans at Felix on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3-4 p.m.
She writes about design, travel, and food from her home base in Colorado’s Front Range. A contributing editor at House Beautiful magazine, her work is frequently published in Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and numerous other publications. She is the co-author (with Max Humphrey) of “LODGE: An Indoorsy Tour of America’s National Parks” (April 2023).
Guests are invited to join O’Shea-Evans as she signs copies of her latest release, “Alpine Style” (Gibbs Smith).
The book is a compendium of some of the most exquisite mountain interior design projects on the planet … as enchanting as the mountains themselves. Whether storybook and classic or sleek and modern, these alpine interiors from across the globe are tailor-made for après-ski fun. As Publishers Weekly wrote, “Fireplaces and cozy throws abound, and a handful of recipes, including one for fondue from the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, offers readers an at-home taste of the lifestyle.” Perhaps no surprise: There is an iconic recipe from the Hotel Jerome in there, too.
Spirit of Agave, Sunday, 3-6 p.m., W Aspen

This in-person event will be a celebration of all things agave, from tequila to mezcal. Immerse yourself in the world of spirits with expert-led tastings, cocktail samplings, and light bites. Whether you’re a seasoned agave enthusiast or just curious to explore more, this event is perfect for anyone looking to sip and savor the magic of agave.
Bottles will also be available for sale at great prices from our bottle shop. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase; win a 1-night stay at the W Aspen, ski and snowboarding gear, and more.
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/spirit-of-agave-at-w-aspen-tickets-1004846812867
Sharing Shakespeare, Monday, 6-8 p.m., Aspen Institute
Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for 6 months. Beginning in October, the 2024-25 session will explore one of Shakespeare’s most significant works: Hamlet.
New this year, they will focus the entire six-month series on one play, and by doing so, participants will read one act per month and share their insights and questions to reach a deeper understanding of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved and performed plays.
Volunteer moderators will lead participants through lively discussions dissecting the intriguing scenes and characters in Hamlet while uncovering themes that still resonate today. Expert Shakespeare moderators, Carol and Ken Adelman, will join the series to kick off this exciting new format and will moderate the final session. Join us!
Dates/times: Monday nights from 6–8 p.m., Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, and March 10.
Location: Aspen Institute, Aspen Meadows Campus
Fee: $185, includes all sessions, light refreshments, and reading materials. Scholarships available.
Registration is required for the 2024-2025 Sharing Shakespeare series. Please email acp@aspeninstitute.org for more information.
Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.
Burlingame Ranch Phase 1 homeowners concerned about where their dues are going
The Burlingame Ranch Phase 1 Homeowners Association Board voted during a September to only require receipts from Rutledge and Company, which manages the community, if the cost is over $500, one homeowner said.