The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen [1] is often described as Summer camp for chefs. Celebrity chefs from all over the nation gather in the mountains one weekend in June to cook for lucky festivalgoers, party at high altitudes, and share their shenanigans via Instagram. Take a look at the amusing explosion of group chef selfies, quick snaps, and unforgettable captions.
— Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
Source: Instagram [2]
Tyler Florence and Ming Tsai Relaxed in First Class
According to Tyler, "East meets West on the way to the Aspen . . . "
Source: Instagram user tylerflorence [3]
Matthew Accarrino Biked to Aspen
While the obvious choice is flying into Aspen, others like best new chef Matthew Accarrino road biked there.
Source: Instagram user avallis [4]
Chefs Gathered
Best new chefs (2013) Michael Hudman, Chris Shepard, and Matthew Gaudet (pictured at far right), Food & Wine Editor in Chief Dana Cowin, and Bizarre Foods' Andrew Zimmern huddled up for a group shot at the St. Regis Chefs Club.
Source: Instagram user westbridgechef [5]
Johnny Iuzzini Couldn't Keep a Straight Face
At the opening reception, chefs like Johnny Iuzzini floated around and "smiled" for the cameras.
Source: Instagram user americangirlbakingco [6]
Kristen Kish Reinvented the Grilled Ham and Cheese
Meanwhile, leave it to season 10 Top Chef winner Kristen Kish to serve up grilled crepes stuffed with ham, cheese, and kimchi — like an American, Korean, and French mashup.
Source: Instagram user kkrader [7]
José Andrés Reported From the Mountain
At Eat Drink Spain, a ham-and-wine-filled feast hosted by José Andrés, the chef stopped for interviews (including one with our very own Brandi Milloy) with stunning mountains as the backdrop.
Source: Instagram user brandimilloy [8]
The Empellón Men Kicked It
Alex Stupak and his Empellón team posed for a shot with their festival lanyards and the mountainous skyline.
Source: Instagram user empellon [9]
Kristen Kish and Barbara Lynch Ate a Ton of Caviar
Three of our favorite things (that is, chefs Kristen Kish and Barbara Lynch and an absurdly large tin of caviar).
Source: Instagram user kkrader [10]
Gail Simmons Prepped Runners
At the very early Friday morning 5K charity run benefiting Wholesome Wave, Top Chef judge Gail Simmons pumped up runners with her presence.
Source: Instagram user jenniferleeflowers [11]
Danny Meyer Ran the Race
Even restaurateur Danny Meyer braved the altitude.
Source: Instagram user allthewaymaymay [12]
Marcus Samuelsson Warmed Up
Chef Marcus Samuelsson, an active participant in the charity run every year, warmed up for the race in a beanie.
Source: Instagram user kcmcshea [13]
Jim Meehan Poured Patio-Side
There's nothing like a cocktail made in the mountains by a master.
Source: Instagram user jenniferleeflowers [14]
Grant Achatz Captured the Moment
Grant Achatz couldn't help but snap a photo of his Next partner and Best New Chef Dave Beran.
Source: Instagram user rdcberan [15]
Tyler Florence Took a Selfie With Jacques Pépin
After signing books, Tyler Florence expressed his love for his "dear friend and life mentor" chef Jacques Pépin. Awww.
Source: Instagram user tylerflorence [16]
Anthony Giglio Pulled Out a Big Bottle
Wine expert Anthony Giglio posed with an enormous bottle of Aix rosé.
Source: Instagram user anthonygiglio [17]
Matt Accarrino Raced a Speed Rack
We're not sure exactly what's going on here, but it looks like the speed rack won.
Source: Instagram user hugegaldones [18]
Gail Simmons and Andrew Zimmern Talked About 2015
The festival wasn't even halfway over, and these two were already talking about next year! Along with their smoldering looks, Gail Simmons and Andrew Zimmern will offer a smolder seminar at the 2015 Food & Wine Classic.
Source: Instagram user chefaz [19]
Jacques Pépin Led the Champagne Shower
At 11,000 feet, Jacques Pépin showered celeb chefs in Champagne.
Source: Instagram users foodandwine and nicole_franzen [20]
Grant Achatz Went For a Gondola Ride
Grant Achatz and friends packed it in tightly for a snap.
Source: Instagram user charlesjoly [21]
Giada De Laurentiis Captured the View
Behind Giada De Laurentiis, her husband, and Aunt Raffy, behold the town of Aspen.
Source: Instagram user foxyfleet [22]
Curtis Stone and Carla Hall Posed at 11,000 Feet
Curtis Stone and Carla Hall from ABC's The Chew posed with their spouses before snow-capped mountains.
Source: Instagram user popsugarfood [23]
José Andrés Enjoyed the Panorama
José wasn't afraid to look like the king of Aspen Mountain.
Source: Instagram user grdovic [24]
The Gang Reunited
Scott Conant, Marc Murphy, Marcus Samuelsson, and Geoffrey Zakarian can't even pose for a photo without making each other laugh. Chef Murphy jokingly warned, "Watch out, Aspen! Gang's all here."
Source: Instagram user chefmarcmurphy [25]
Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman Prepared For Service
Best new chefs of 2013 Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman leaned into their kung fu positions, ready to tear up service at the Chefs Club.
Source: Instagram user westbridgechef [26]
Chris Shepherd Started Plating
At a Chefs Club dinner, Chris Shepherd plated up something deliciously saucy.
Source: Instagram user westbridgechef [27]
Richard Blais Played With Nitrogen
After sharing a gondola with a nitrogen tank [28], Richard Blais used it for a dish at the top of Aspen Mountain.
Source: Instagram user foodandwine [29]
José Andrés Handled the Jamón Ibérico
We're not sure why the chef decided to roll up his sleeves and delicately slice that Ibérico, but it sure was awesome.
Source: Instagram user aplotkin69 [30]
Johnny Iuzzini Dressed Like a Pirate
For his Caribbean-themed dessert party, Johnny Iuzzini (far left) dressed the part.
Source: Instagram user burkealerts [31]
Curtis Stone and Tyler Florence Battled It Out
Though Tyler lost the cook-off, he congratulated his opponent Curtis Stone.
Source: Instagram user tylerflorence [32]
Animal Chefs Posed With Smurfs
Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, chefs and owners of Animal [33] in LA, had a swarm of people vying for their dishes.
Source: Instagram user fwplusone [34]