Ritz Half Moon Bay Announces Lineup For All-Star Chef Series

Navio, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay's signature restaurant
Navio, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s signature restaurant

One of the awesome things about the Ritz-Carlton is that each resort has distinct programming. Here in the Bay Area, food is a thing, so it’s only natural that the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offer a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The Global Cuisine Series was launched last year and today comes the news that the Ritz will continue the program for the rest of 2018.

Chef Xaviar Salomon
Chef Xavier Salomon

The epicurean weekend retreat is offered once a month and features exclusive access to world-renowned chefs. The series was conceived by the Ritz Half Moon Bay’s executive chef, Xavier Salomon. “Through my travels around the world, I had the privilege of experiencing cuisine by chefs who were passionate about creating menus that brought to life their family heritage but with their own interpretation and modern take and I wanted to share this experience with our guests,” Salomon explained to Haute Living.

The setting for Tanya Holland's lunch
The setting for Tanya Holland’s lunch

The one-night package, which is only available to Ritz-Carlton Rewards, Marriott Rewards, and SPG Rewards members, includes an overnight stay in a sumptuous room with a coastal view, an intimate cooking class, and a wine-paired lunch. The guest chef teaches the class in the hotel’s massive bustling kitchen and joins the 16 people for the luxurious luncheon. In addition to the interactive festivities, the guest chef also serves two signature dishes on the Navio tasting menu on Friday night and has a pop-up station at the restaurant’s Sunday brunch.

Chef Tanya Holland
Chef Tanya Holland

The 2018 Global Cuisine Series debuted with Tanya Holland, of Brown Sugar Kitchen and Top Chef fame, as the special guest chef. The incredibly personable Holland taught the crowd how to make chicken and shrimp gumbo, fried oyster po’boys, and sweet potato pie. The Moet and Chandon flowed throughout the class and afterward the group reconvened in the Ritz’s elegant library room for lunch. Holland sat at the center of the table and kindly answered questions sharing details of how Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o recently dined at Holland’s Oakland eatery (which is also frequented by Drake!). Guests were given a goodie bag and a signed copy of Holland’s signature cookbook, Brown Sugar Kitchen.

A Global Cuisine Series dish
A Global Cuisine Series dish

For food lovers looking for a thrilling culinary experience, the Global Cuisine Series should not be missed. Here’s the exciting lineup of chefs for the 2018 series.

Friday, March 23 – Sunday, March 25
Michael Fiorelli of Love & Salt, Los Angeles

Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29
Rupert and Carrie Blease of Lord Stanley

Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20
James Syhabout of Commis and Hawker Fare

Friday, June 22 – Sunday, June 24
Jason Fox of Commonwealth

Friday, July 27 – Sunday, July 29
Edgar Agbayani of Dumpling Time

Friday, August 24 – Sunday, August 26
Dean Fearing of Fearing’s, Dallas

Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23
Jackson Yu of Omakase

Friday, October 26 – Sunday, October 28
Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn and Petit Crenn

Friday, November 16 – Sunday, November 18
Pastry chef Celine Plano of acclaimed Pascaline Fine Catering, Sebastopol

Friday, December 14 – Sunday, December 16
Gonzalo Guzman of Nopalito