The FOOD & WINE Aspen Classic (http://www.foodandwine.com/) June 17-19 , is one of the country’s most popular culinary events attracting thousands for special chef tastings, events and seminars. It differs from SOBEWFF in that not only is it set in the gorgeous Colorado Mountains instead of on the beach, but that it hosts smaller and more intimate gatherings.  The Main Festival is totally Sold Out, but four of Miami’s favorite chefs headed out West to participate and experience the Aspen Classic, and MIAbites had a chance to ask them a few questions about their trip “Out West” before boarding their plane for the action packed weekend.

Jeremy Ford - Chef de Cuisine - Matador Room The Miami Beach EDITION

1.     The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen is one of the most popular food and chef events in the country.  It is totally sold out. Is this your first trip to F&W Aspen?

Yes, this is my first trip – such an honor. I’m going with a great group of chefs and I couldn’t be more excited to represent Miami!

2.      What events are you participating in?

I will be participating in the official Welcome Reception on Thursday, June 16 as well as hosting a demo titled “In The Kitchen With Top Chef” on Sunday.

3.      What events are you hoping to attend?

I want to take it all in and experience the Classic to the fullest.  I hope to attend as many events as possible!

4.      Who are you most excited to see or meet? 

I’m most excited to meet Nilou Motamed, Food & Wine’s new editor.

5.      How does this event differ from SOBEWFF?

I haven’t been so I can’t share too much, but I know atmosphere will play a big part.  South Beach Food & Wine Festival is all about Miami – the beautiful sand, sun and beaches.  Aspen is on the mountain, the climate is cooler and the air is thinner – both have beautiful backdrops.

6.      Jeremy- You won Top Chef this season, are you looking forward to seeing fellow Top Chef Alum and judges?  How has being Top Chef changed you, if at all?

It is always good to catch up with “cheftestants” – I will be cooking with two of them during the welcome reception. Top Chef changed my life for the better, I can’t wait to see Tom and Padma and share with them all the great things I have going on.  I know it will make them proud.

Diego Oka – Chef – La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Mandarin Oriental, Miami

1.      The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen is one of the most popular food and chef events in the country.  It is totally sold out. Is this your first trip to F&W Aspen?

Yes, it’s my first time and I’m very excited! I heard many great things about F&W ASPEN!

2.      What events are you participating in?

I’m representing Miami in COCHON 555 Grand Cochon, The Finals.  There are only 10 chefs from 10 cities left so I am hoping to win for Miami.

3.      Who are you most excited to see or meet?

I’m super excited about Grand Cochon and F&W. Also we will be a big group from Miami being all together in Aspen and representing Miami is going to be amazing.

4.      How does this event differ from SOBEWFF?

The location is totally different and it is a more intimate space. Also, 2 events are happening at the same time – F&W and Grand Cochon.

5.      How has working for Gaston Acurio, such an influential South American chef, shaped and formed you and your interpretations for La Mar. Do you see Peruvian cuisine becoming an even more major influence outside of Miami?

Working for Gaston is incredible. He is a role model for all Peruvian chefs. My experience working with him for more than 11 years has been an amazing journey that I would repeat again! I learned many things from him but most importantly about my country PERU. Yes, now you can see more Peruvian influence in other restaurants and the use of Peruvian ingredients in non-Peruvian restaurants is growing. There is a special interest in our culture, ingredients and flavor. We are lucky to also have so many influences in Peru, like Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Spanish and African - that fusion interests people too. We are just starting, I’m sure in the future there will be more Peruvian restaurants and top cooks leading the top restaurant around the world!

Dena Marino – Chef/Owner - MC Kitchen Miami

1.      The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen is one of the most popular food and chef events in the country.  It is totally sold out. Is this your first trip to F&W Aspen

Totally sold out and it normally gets sold out during the same week it ends for the next year festival, it's crazy! It not my first trip to food and wine, it will actually be my 16th! I was very fortunate to have lived there for 13 years and since I moved to Miami have been back two times for the event and now this trip!

2.   What events are you participating in?

The event I'm participating in is actually not an "official" Food and Wine sponsored event, it is a private event with a Miami company called Vero Water, a filtered water system that is based out of Miami, but the owner is actually from Aspen. He asked me to throw a chefs’ late night after party at his private home.

3.      What events are you hoping to attend?

All of the events at the festival are great with amazing people, so any of them!

4.      Who are you most excited to see or meet?

I'm super excited to see a lot of my Aspen friends and all our chef friends and colleagues all in one spot! I miss seeing everyone!

5.      How does this event differ from SOBEWFF?

SOBEWFF is great, but Aspen is special… The best thing about Aspen is you can walk to everything all weekend! As you are walking you see everyone, so a very social event and no traffic!

6.      You used to work in Aspen, are you hoping to see some of your friends?  Is there a restaurant or two you want to recommend to your fellow Miami chefs?

I'm definitely excited to see everyone! Fellow Miami chefs should check out Barclay Dodge's new place Bosq that opened a few days ago, Cache Cache is great with Jodi and Chris, The J Bar at the Hotel Jerome, Jimmys, my old stomping ground Ajax Tavern and there are so many more!!

Brad Kilgore - Executive Chef/Owner - Alter Miami

1.      The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen is one of the most popular food and chef events in the country.  It is totally sold out. Is this your first trip to F&W Aspen?

It is my first trip to the F&W festival but I have been to Aspen dozens of times. I used to work the Farmers Market circuit in the Rockies when I went to school out there. I haven't been back since and am really excited to return.

2.      What events are you participating in?

The only event I am working is Saturday Morning where I present a dish to about 1000 people in the Main area.

3.      What events are you hoping to attend?

Oxheart Pop Up done by the Resy system that we have at Alter, also the Magnum Party and the 212.

4.      Who are you most excited to see or meet? 

Hmm, hadn’t really thought about that, just excited to be a part of it!

5.      How does this event differ from SOBEWFF?

We will have to see!

6.      You are going as a “Cover” Chef from this year’s F&W Top Chefs, how do you feel about that honor?

It’s the biggest honor of my career thus far; it was an amazing surprise and I’m just happy to be on the ride.

From the Beach to the Mountains…go WEST, our friends…and special shout out to Chef Diego Oka, who represented Miami in the COCHON 555 Grand Cochon Finale on Saturday June 18th. UPDATED:  Even though Chef Diego was not crowned "King of Porc", his #DiegoDreamTeam had a great time!