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Aspen Takes Center Stage of the Culinary World This June With Exclusive Lounges, Luxury Partnerships and Epicurean Experiences – Including an Intimate Dinner Hosted by Newly Crowned Bravo Top Chef Winner

ASPEN, Colo., June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø/ -- Each June, Aspen becomes the epicenter of the culinary world – and sits at the center of it all. Returning June 18-21, has evolved into one of the most anticipated weekends on Aspen's summer social calendar. Providing guests and locals with insider access to exceptional culinary programming from June 18-21, the weekend-long activation will take guests on the ultimate gastronomic journey of world-class experiences and dynamic partnerships.

This year's headline moment is , an intimate dinner hosted by newly crowned Bravo's Top Chef Season 23 winner Rhoda Magbitang. The one-night-only experience marks one of the earliest opportunities for guests to experience Magbitang's cuisine following her victory.

"Top Chef' has brought so much out of me and proved that anything worth doing is worth doing well. I'm proud to represent Filipino chefs, women in the industry and anyone who's taken the long road to find their purpose. I'm taking this title home with so much gratitude," Magbitang said. "Every dish I cooked this season carried a piece of where I come from. This win belongs to everyone who believed in me, especially my family, my team and the people who taught me that food is about love, culture and connection."

Running in parallel with Aspen Food & Wine, the Epicurean Passport Weekend brings together celebrated chefs, iconic luxury brands, world-renowned vintners, and cocktail innovators for four days of immersive experiences at the town's most storied hotel.

Guests can experience a Petrossian caviar and Laurent-Perrier Champagne , the annual – a beloved event celebrating female talent including James Beard Awards semifinalist Daisy Ryan of in Los Alamos; Melissa Perello of and ; Suzanne Tracht of ; and , named Latin America's Best Pastry Chef in 2020. In addition, a two-night residency from legendary cocktail institution , immersive tasting experiences with , Flowers Vineyards & Winery and the wineries behind the historic , as well as a playful closing brunch featuring cult-favorite are a few of the other key weekend highlights. The over-the-top experiential weekend gives insider access to the who's who of epicurean talent and luxury brands.

Adding to the sense of occasion, renowned event design firm returns as creative partner, transforming Hotel Jerome's historic spaces into a series of bespoke venues throughout the weekend. also plays a prominent role, elevating everything from intimate tastings to marquee dinners with its celebrated crystal craftsmanship.

The full weekend lineup is included below:

• Thursday, June 18, kicks off the weekend with a vibrant open-air in Hotel Jerome's courtyard, reimagined into a chef's market-style tasting experience. Guests will enjoy passed bites from three celebrated Auberge Collection chefs — Anthony Stagnaro of at in Napa, Cornelis Suhr of in Maine, and Michel DeCicco of at in South Carolina.
• Friday, June 19, celebrates female talent across the culinary landscape, bringing together four pioneering chefs: James Beard Awards finalist Daisy Ryan of in Los Alamos; Melissa Perello of and ; Suzanne Tracht of ; and , named Latin America's Best Pastry Chef in 2020.
• Saturday, June 20, the weekend builds to a one-night-only dinner, , with the Season 23 winner of Bravo's Top Chef, Chef Rhoda Magbitang. The intimate dinner will offer one of the first opportunities for guests to experience the award-winning cuisine that earned Chef Magbitang the coveted Top Chef title. The gathering is particularly fitting, as Chef Magbitang currently serves as Executive Chef of CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, and previously held the role of Executive Chef at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection, making her a celebrated member of the Auberge family.
• Sunday, June 21, the weekend closes with a sun-drenched, garden-side that's equal parts indulgent and effortless. Not famous but known joins forces with for a playful and luxurious twist on the classic bagel-and-schmear with signature touches.
• On Friday and Saturday afternoons, the Sky Terrace Caviar, Champagne & Cocktails experience invites guests to indulge in the world's finest caviar. Immersive Tasting Experiences and Masterclasses led by , , , , and further enhance the weekend's programming.
• On Friday and Saturday evenings, Hotel Jerome's after-hours programming comes alive with a pair of spirited experiences. From 6 to 9 p.m., Felix After Hours transforms Felix Roasting Co. with a DJ, cocktails and espresso martinis. Later, legendary cocktail institution takes over Bad Harriet for a , bringing its signature approach to cocktails, hospitality and atmosphere through expertly crafted drinks featuring .
• All weekend long, the opulent Tasting Library – an exceptional pairing experience hosted in the hotel's Wheeler Room in partnership with – provides an immersive retreat of intimate, sit-down tasting experiences.

To find more details on the Epicurean Passport and to check availability, please visit:. Please note, this passport is only valid for Hotel Jerome programming and is not affiliated with the Aspen Food & Wine Classic.

Hotel Jerome will also have selected programming available a la carte with event tickets available online. Limited tickets are available and more information along with a full breakdown of events can be found on Hotel Jerome's .

About Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection

Located in the heart of Aspen, Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection, is one of the great hotels of the American West. The 137-year-old historic landmark, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, offers luxurious, contemporary accommodations and modern amenities that pay homage to the property's iconic mountain spirit. The hotel's two luxurious Residential Penthouses offer everything from private elevator entrances to spectacular mountain views. Sophisticated amenities include the legendary J-Bar, lauded as an Aspen institution; Michelin Guide-recommended Prospect; the après-ski favorite, the Living Room bar and lounge; the sultry underground speakeasy, Bad Harriet; the award-winning Yarrow spa; state-of-the-art fitness facilities; a ski concierge; and a heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking Aspen Mountain.

For more information:

Follow Hotel Jerome on and @HotelJeromeAuberge

About Auberge Collection

Auberge Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, safaris, residences, and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative wellbeing, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 39 one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts, safaris, and residences, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world's most desirable destinations.

For more information:

Connect with Auberge Collection on , , , and @Auberge and #AlwaysAuberge

About The Friedkin Group

The Friedkin Group is a privately held family of global brands spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports.

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Dan Friedkin, and united by a mission to build breakthrough brands that redefine the status quo.

The Friedkin Group portfolio includes Gulf States Toyota, 30WEST, Accelerated Solutions Group, AS Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek, Everton Football Club, GSFSGroup, Imperative Entertainment, Legendary Expeditions, NEON, Northside Lexus, Pursuit Sports, The Friedkin Group International, USAL and Westside Lexus.

For more information, please visit .

About The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit .

About Bravo / "Top Chef"

In its landmark 20th year, Bravo's Emmy, James Beard and Critics' Choice Award-winning series "Top Chef" Season 23 is available to stream in full on Peacock. Host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons welcome 15 rising chefs as they face high-pressure challenges across Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, all vying for the ultimate title of "Top Chef." The chefs must showcase their culinary expertise, originality, and endurance as they face off in high-stakes challenges showcasing the regional history, diverse cultural flavors, and rich agricultural bounty across the Carolinas. Throughout the competition series, the judges are joined by an esteemed culinary panel of guest judges, "Top Chef" alumni and notable diners.

About Rafanelli Events

Founded in 1996 by Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events is a premier event planning and design firm known for producing some of the world's most extraordinary celebrations. With offices in New York City, Palm Beach, and Boston, the firm is widely regarded as a leader in the industry, entrusted with crafting exceptional experiences that range from intimate weddings and destination events to high-profile fundraisers, non-profit galas and cultural milestones.

Driven by a deep commitment to creativity, precision, and discretion, Rafanelli Events leads with vision and purpose—setting the tone for the event industry through its artistry and innovation. With a client portfolio that includes Fortune 500 families, cultural institutions, and global public figures, the firm continues to redefine what is possible in modern celebration.

For more information, please visit .

Media Contact
Ella Trodd, Murphy O'Brien, 1 3109260085, [email protected],  

SOURCE Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection