Alila Ventana Big Sur Launches Gourmet Getaway Weekends Featuring Celebrity Chefs

Alila Ventana Big Sur Launches Gourmet Getaway Weekends Featuring Celebrity Chefs

Alila Ventana Big Sur has introduced its Gourmet Getaway series, which features renowned chefs leading a weekend of epicurean delights for guests at the iconic resort. The inaugural event will take place September 24-26, with award-winning celebrity Chef Chris Cosentino, co-owner of Alila Napa Valley’s Acacia House and Rosalie Italian Soul in Houston, leading the way. Cosentino will be joined by new Alila Ventana Big Sur Executive Chef John Garcia.

Alila Ventana Big Sur will welcome James Beard Award semifinalist Executive Chef Claudette Zepeda as the second chef-host in the Gourmet Getaway series, set to take place in October. Zepeda, who recently opened VAGA Restaurant + Bar at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas in San Diego, will bring her fearless culinary style and bold approach to regional Mexican cuisine to the resort for yet another unforgettable dining experience.

An immersive and exclusive experience, the Gourmet Getaway series is designed for 6-8 couples; it showcases some of the region’s most dynamic chefs and unparalleled ingredients. Cosentino’s innovative Italian style is a prime example of this dynamism, which he will bring to a weekend of intimate dining events, delectable activities, and more. Guests will also enjoy a take-home basket filled with specialty items to savor the memories of the weekend.

The schedule for the September Gourmet Getaway experience is as follows:

Friday, September 24

5:30-7:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception at The Glass House

This unique sunset experience features signature tray-passed bites and cocktails served by Alila Ventana Big Sur’s resident mixologist. Hors d’oeuvres will include a petit grilled cheese with taleggio, quail egg, bitter honey, and truffles, along with other delights such as tuna with watermelon, chili, and mint.

Saturday, September 25

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Culinary Exhibition at The Loft

A late-morning culinary exhibition experience with Executive Chef Garcia and Chef Cosentino, during which guests will learn how to make abalone crudo.

5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | Dinner at Skyview Terrace

An intimate, six-course dinner crafted by Chef Cosentino and his culinary team, with wine or beer pairings and behind-the-dish storytelling from the chef himself. Dishes to look forward to include sea urchin cacio e pepe and kombu-aged vintage beef strip-loin steak au poivre with smoked potatoes and porcini.

Sunday, September 26

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Brunch at The Sur House

A brunch featuring dishes inspired by classic breakfast favorites, including eggs in purgatory with grilled laffa bread alongside croissant milk toast with jam and crème fraîche. Guests will receive gifts of signed recipes, so they can recreate the dishes at home.

Pricing begins at $600 per couple. Reservations are available by calling 831.667.2331, ext. 403.

For more information, visit ventanabigsur.com. Follow Alila Ventana Big Sur on Facebook at VentanaBigSur and Instagram @VentanaBigSur.