Gourmet Gatherings at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Imagine walking into the wine cave at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club for one of the most decadent multi-course wine dinners prepared by James Beard Outstanding Chefs.

Situated on the oceanview bluffs of Dana Point, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach offers a luxurious retreat with breathtaking ocean views, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service. Diners will be enveloped in the renowned Wine Cave, a fully-functioning cellar that holds the Resort’s full inventory of 10,000 bottles.

Gordon Maybury, Executive Chef at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is thrilled to welcome such a distinguished lineup of James Beard Awards-winning chefs  into his kitchen at the Dana Point resort. “This collaboration not only underscores our commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences for our guests and Members but also allows us to express our shared passion for the James Beard Foundation’s mission to lead the culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence that makes America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone,” said Maybury.

The epicurean adventure begins with an intimate welcome reception, followed by an exquisite multi-course dinner meticulously crafted by the featured chefs and paired with Napa Valley wines.

The AAA Five-Diamond resort is hosting three different one-of-a-kind “Gourmet Gatherings”  in partnership with four esteem chefs. Each dinner will also feature outstanding wine pairings at this premier dining destination. It’s the pinnacle of fine dining only at The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club.

SEPTEMBER Gourmet Gatherings

The first dinner is on Friday, Sept 13 with Chef Nancy Sliverton, co-owner of acclaimed Mozza Restaurant Group. Known for her Italian culinary delights and award-winning artisan breads, Silverton won the prestigious James Beard Outstanding Chef in 2014.

She will be preparing a variety of visually stunning flavorful courses to be paired with Napa Valley’s historic Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery. These wines were selected by Silverton, a friend of the winery’s President and CEO Beth Novak.

Stewarded by the Novak family since 1972 and farmed organically since 1985, Beth will join diners to discuss the wine pairings with the courses. She will share stories about the two 40^th Anniversary wines – the Spottswoode 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. Both will be among the wines served.

OCTOBER Gourmet Gatherings

During October on Friday the 11th, Chef Rob Rubb and Chef Michael Rafidi will prepare an exciting menu to be paired with a celebrated Napa Valley wine brand Memento Mori,

Rob Rubba is the chef and partner of the Michelin-starred Oyster Oyster in Washington, DC. Besides winning 2023 Outstanding Chef Award by the James Beard Foundation, he also was honored with the 2022 Best New Chef Award from Food and Wine magazine. For over 20 years, he has been in the kitchen with some of the best chefs and restaurants across the country, such as Chef Gordon Ramsay, Chef Guy Savoy, and Chef Laurent Gras. As a vegetarian, he enjoys preparing seasonal, local, plant-forward tasting menus that expresses the beautiful bounty of the Mid-Atlantic, all while staying true to the ethos of zero waste, a low carbon footprint, and supporting regenerative farming practices.

Chef Michael Rafidi is the chef and owner of Michelin-starred Albi in Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood.  In 2022, Chef Rafidi was named a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, and a finalist in the same category in 2023. The restaurant Albi was first awarded a coveted Michelin Star in 2022. In June 2024, Chef Rafidi was named Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation. Together with Chef Rob Rubba they will prepare a culinary experience like no other in the wine cave.

Chef Michael’s menus reflect a creative update to traditional Arabic cuisine, with modern techniques utilizing the best the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. Inspired by his family’s roots in Ramallah, Palestine and grandparents’ home cooking, Rafidi spent many years in some of the country’s best kitchens before he opened Albi in early 2020.

Founded in 2010, by three childhood friends, Hayes Drumwright, Adriel Lares and Adam Craun, they committed themselves to crafting sophisticated Memento Mori wines that will be poured throughout the evening.

NOVEMBER Gourmet Gatherings

The first Saturday in November, Chef Michael Anthony, the 2015 James Beard Outstanding Chef winner will prepare an exquisite meal paired with The Mascot, a Harlan family wine made from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory in the hillside of Napa Valley.

As the Executive Chef of Gramercy Tavern in New York City, Chef Michael Anthony has won multiple James Beard Awards. He has recently been named Chef Partner of Waldorf Astoria New York.

Tickets for each dinner are $525 per person. Stay overnight with an exclusive package to extend your coastal getaway. Each package includes two tickets to the James Beard dinner of your choice, an $80 breakfast credit, a welcome amenity, and an overnight stay in a newly renovated guest room.

During your getaway, immerse yourself in seaside sophistication as you explore lavish Resort amenities including a private beach club, ocean-view pools, relaxing spa, and oceanfront golf.

Please visit waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com/gourmetgatherings.