The food world’s glitterati descended upon Aspen over the weekend for the 32nd annual Food & Wine Classic. It was a collection of information-packed seminars and celebrity chef–studded parties. Here, a short list of quotes and nuggets I took away from the weekend.

On food: “Food is about connection; it’s the stories that thread everything together. That’s how we share who we are.” —Giada de Laurentiis, chef, TV personality, and cookbook author

On guilty pleasures: “I love scrapple—It’s a Jersey thing. And there’s always whipped cream [Reddi-Wip] in my fridge.” Ali Larter, cookbook author and actress

On the importance of cooking: “The more we cook at home, the more we save foodways. Cooking is survival.” Hugh Acheson, chef, cookbook author, TV personality

On food memory: “When you cook for others, you’re making memories for them.” Dana Cowin, editor in chief, Food & Wine Magazine

On career: “Through food I learned languages and all my sensibilities…and it’s taken me all over the world.” Marcus Samuelsson, chef, restaurateur, and author

On foundation: “The word ‘restaurant’ means ‘restore one’s spirit.'” Jonathan Waxman, chef and a pioneer of California cuisine

On the power of food: “Food can taste of comfort, security, and happiness.” Jacques Pépin, chef, TV personality, and cookbook author

On wine: “Last stop on the crazy train of wine connoisseurship is red Burgundy.” Mark Oldman, wine columnist for the Food Network

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—Photo courtesy of Galdones Photography/Food & Wine

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.