“Excellent event. Everyone from Hyatt, Visa and St. Francis were very personable and had an obvious passion for what they do.” — Brian D.

“Great food, great people and good wine, cannot ask anything better.” — Slim V.

“Open kitchen and interaction with chefs was unexpected and blew us away! Presentation of dishes was thoughtful and beautiful — art on a plate.”
— Hyatt Gold Passport member

Hyatt Gold Passport celebrated the five-year anniversary of the Hyatt Visa Signature^® Credit Card with two exclusive winemaker dinner experiences in Chicago and New York. Members in both cities were treated to an enchanting evening of great food, delicious wine and riveting conversation at Chicago’s Grace and Del Posto in New York City.

In Chicago, members dined at one of the city’s only Michelin three-star restaurants, enjoying a specially prepared six-course menu featuring Grace’s acclaimed Progressive American cuisine, brilliantly composed by award-winning chef and owner Curtis Duffy. Each course was paired with premium wines selected from Sonoma Country’s Davis Bynum Winery and Rodney Strong Vineyards.

The subtle elegance of the dining room provided a luxurious yet intimate setting to enjoy dinner and tableside discussions with Chef Duffy about the menu, which featured mouthwatering Osetra Caviar, succulent Alaskan King Crab and savory Miyazaki Beef, and the accompanying wine pairings. Members loved hearing about how the different flavors, ingredients and even textures were carefully selected to create the perfect fusion of taste for each course.

Later, members got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at where the culinary magic happens when they were invited into the kitchen to watch the talented chefs of Grace prepare their famously delicious food. The chefs couldn’t have been more accommodating as members got to explore their kitchen and even sample some of the delectable delicacies straight from tree branches and hot stones!

In New York, members got to be some of the first guests to dine in the newly renovated private room at Del Posto – one of the city’s most acclaimed Italian restaurants and home of Executive Chef Mark Ladner, winner of the 2015 James Beard Award for Best Chef in NYC. Members were transported to Italy the moment they stepped inside and were treated to a welcome reception with wine and passed Assaggi (‘little tastes’ — the Italian version of hors d’oeuvres).

Next, members enjoyed a custom four-course meal that included delicious Lobster alla Caesar with Grilled Romaine and Breadcrumbs Oreganata, Orecchiette with Lamb Neck Ragu, scrumptious Minted Pea and Crispy Morels, and fork-tender NY Strip Steak with Watercress and Potato Chip Salad. Each course was paired with an exquisite wine from St. Francis Winery & Vineyards.

Del Posto Chef de Cuisine Matt Abdoo and St. Francis Winery & Vineyards President Christopher Silva bounced from table to table throughout the evening, entertaining members with their unique perspective on food, wine and crafting the perfect pairing of the two.

With their bellies stuffed, members at both events left with a custom fifth-year anniversary gift to commemorate the special night. Thanks so much to everyone who could attend!