Nancy Silverton serves a taste of sophisticated hospitality at Gourmet Gatherings, interview

As one of the world’s most celebrated palates, Chef Nancy Silverton has delighted food connoisseurs over the years. While she has elevated bread making to an artform and impressed with her Italian delicacies, Chef Silverton is more than her award-winning recipes. She is one of the culinary greats who appreciates that food goes beyond sustenance, and the journey that flavor offers is never ending.

Recently, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club kicked off its Gourmet Gatherings series. Held in the resort’s Wine Cave, the series hosts award winning chefs in an intimate space. The specialty culinary experience balances impeccably crafted dishes with wine pairings worthy of the event.

At the event kickoff, Chef Nancy Silverton hosted on Friday, September 13. While that date might have had those with paraskevidekatriaphobia a little unnerved, everyone else celebrated the stunning dining experience and basked in the evening’s beauty.

Through her partnership with the Gourmet Gatherings at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club, Chef Silverton graciously answered some questions about the event as well as her thoughts on the intersection of food and travel.

When asked how it felt to kick off this special event series, Chef Silverton recalled her impressions of the Waldorf Astoria brand. She said, “the Waldorf Astoria has always been a special place to me.  Before I had ever even seen the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Park Avenue, I knew it was the epitome of class and luxury. I knew this from the movies. I even knew the address – 301 Park Avenue – when I was a child and it was a fantasy to stay and eat there. I still remember the magical first time I walked into the lobby.   So having said all that, to be the first chef at this special event at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in California, is an honor and I'm excited to launch this series at a such a beautiful property close to home.”

Similar to Chef Silverton, the Waldorf Astoria location holds a special memory in my heart. The only hotel where my mother would stay in New York City, she had an affinity for the little details, like that silver doorbell. More importantly, brunch at the Peacock Room was a pre-matinee staple. The brand has always balanced elegance, hospitality, and tradition with everything it does.

While the California resort is different from the New York City locale, Chef Silverton appreciates that the food and travel are two topics that go hand in hand. When asked about how her curated experience for the Gourmet Gatherings event will leave guests to continue to explore the “intersection” of these topics, she said, “That “intersection” is vital. To travel, the question of “Where are we going to eat” should be at the top of one’s list.”

For those people who enjoyed the multi-course meal, Chef Silverton explained what the guests experienced. In a way, it is a glimpse into her personal approach to food.

Chef Silverton said, “I like to think the guests can expect a night like they are coming to my home. A larger version of my home, but with the same warmth and delicious food as a small party at my place. The menu will include a four-course meal and will include some of the Mozza classics.”

While some people were familiar with the ingredients and flavors, it was more than just delicious food on the plate. Holding the dinner in the Wine Cave added to the overall ambiance.

Specifically, Chef Silverton mentioned, “I don’t want to give away too much as a small element of surprise is nice, but, yes, the Wine Cave setting will have an influence. A meal of warmth and wine will be served in such a special space reminiscent of the beautiful cellars of Italy.”

This special event might have inspired guests to book a trip to Italy, to appreciate the culture, or just to open themselves to learning more about the culture. When delicious food is served with intention, the dining experience is more than satiating a hunger. It is an invitation to have a conversation beyond the plate.

When asked about her approach to showcasing the intricacies of Italian cuisine and its representation of past, present, and future, Chef Silverton shared, “First off, you cannot server Italian cuisine – or any cuisine – without a respect for the past. That’s an absolute requirement. But it is also important to respect the best of the present such as paying close attention to what a Massimo Bottura is doing.   Any by respecting the past and the present, you can help with the future.”

Although Chef Silverton’s Gourmet Gatherings event has passed, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort will host two additional events. Chefs Rob Rubba and Michael Rafidi will serve on October 11 and Chef Michael Anthony will serve November 2. More information can be found on the resort’s website.