The talented chefs behind the Aspen Pastry Invitational - Tina Nguyen from the Bay Area; Sofia Cortina, Latin America Best Pastry Chef 2020; Luis Robledo, 2019's Best Pastry Chef in Latin America; Barbara Marcos, pastry chef at The Little Nell; Ben Kunert, pastry chef at Hotel Jerome; and Sara Figueiredo, pastry chef at Aspen Meadows. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Off-season has never been as sweet as this year with the inaugural Aspen Pastry Invitational from Oct. 17-19, presented by the Hotel Jerome, The Little Nell, and the Aspen Meadows. Local pastry chefs Benjamin Kunert, Barbara Marcos, and Sara Figueiredo of the three respective properties came together along with visiting talent Luis Robledo.
The owner and creator of Tout Chocolat, Sofia Cortina, Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef, and the Bay Area’s Tina Nguyen led the innovative workshops and hands-on programming.
It was a feast for the senses with lessons centered on holiday baking, healthy baking, chocolate classes, and more. Guests could register for individual sessions that were affordably priced from $45 to $225 for an all-access pass. It certainly appealed to all interests and ages with kids taking part in Halloween dessert classes, spouses teaming up for baking education, and new friendships being formed through the interactive workshops.
It’s always refreshing to see a first-time endeavor strike a chord straight out of the gate, leading to more interest in immersive experiences.
Allison Pattillo and Laura Beausire team up at a baking seminar. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Friends Emily Farrell and Kimmy Seguin in the “Healthy Baking” class at The Little Nell. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Hotel Jerome pastry chef Ben Kunert was the brainchild behind the Aspen Pastry Invitational, which blossomed into a wonderful weekend of immersive workshops and social gatherings. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Little Nell pastry chef Barbara Marcos cheerfully leads a healthy baking class. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Atul Kekan and Abrill Ocampos concoct cocktails for the Felix Dessert Social. May Selby/Courtey photo
A baker’s half-dozen at Hotel Jerome for the Felix Dessert Social. May Selby/Courtesy photo
Marilee Upton Spatz picks up tips about baking at the Aspen Pastry Invitational. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Whisking away in the “Mexican Flavors with Chocolate,” workshop at Hotel Jerome. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Chef Luis Robledo, creator of Tout Chocolat, leads a “Discovering Mexican Flavors with Chocolate” seminar at Hotel Jerome. Jacie Marguerite/Courtesy photo
Colorado’s High Country saw the most significant snowstorm yet of the season this weekend, with some ski areas netting nearly two feet of fresh powder as of early-morning Monday, Oct. 21.
