4 replies to this topic

[eating out]

Hello Rockers,

I'm going to Aspen in March for a few days, for the first time. I've heard about the $$$ grub, so if it's going to be expensive, I want it to be worth it. I'm interested in bkfast/lunch/dinner spots, from the easy/reasonable to the fantastic blow-out. Also, some fun apres-ski spots would be appreciated as well. Does anyone have any ideas?

I imagine I'd go to a must-go place despite the price, for one night most likely. The others nights I'd hope to be a little more sensible.

Thanks everyone.

-Rachel

[Waitman]

Hunter Thompson used to hang at the Double Diamond, where I heard some great bands a few years back, and the Woody Creek Tavern, which is about 10 miles outside of town and is cheaper and rustic-er than the stuff in Aspen Proper. The bar at the Hotel Jerome was relatively informal the one time I was there -- admittedly off-season, but a half-drunk customer wandered in and handed off Dead bootleg to the bartender who put it over the PA. Try googling the restaurant at the Little Nell (hotel). Again, my info is a few years old, but it was, at one time, considered the best restaurant in town.

[ktmoomau]

This is really Beaver Creek and Vail, but I guess Aspen is probably closer than Denver... maybe.

Had a really great long ski weekend in Beaver Creek. Our friend hosted us at his parents house which is right in the park, ski in, ski out. We made breakfast at the house every morning. Friday we ate lunch at Arrowhead Village. Most of the group had Blinkey burgers (the guy now has a hut so he doesn't blink and squint as often, but the burgers are still good). I had the buffalo chili with cheese and jalapenos. It was a great way to warm up and chill out after a hard morning. The inside cafeteria can't even put out good french fries (way too salty) so I would stick with Blinkey.

That evening we went to the Gas House in Edwards. I started with a house salad which was pretty normal, but at least fresh veggies and sprouts. I then split the Ultimate Game Platter which had elk, quail, venison and pheasant sausage with hubby. We had it with a twice baked potato and veggies. The quail and sausage were really good. I thought the venison and elk were ok. I have had better, but it wasn't bad. Hubby loves twice baked potatoes, I actually am not a huge fan, but theirs hit the spot for him. They of course say their specialty is MD style seafood, but we weren't really interested in that. The buffalo ribeye looked good too, it got good reviews from the two people that had it.

Next day we had lunch at Beano's. Now this is good. And the menu has clearly labeled what is gluten free. Really nice! I had the rotisserie of the day which was chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans I think? A really nice au jus and wine reduction sauce. Hubby's bbq buffalo sandwich looked so good it made me wish I had some gluten free bread with me.

That night we went to Agave in Avon. Pretty normal Tex Mex, my fajitas were meh. The best thing I tasted was my hubby's mole sauce.

Next day another lunch at Beano's. Had the shrimp and lobster tacos, they were really good. The sweet potato wedges I had with it were perfectly seasoned and crispy. And the guacamole they had to snack o out front and seasame hummus were great. Not to mention the hot chocolate. Beano's is definitely my favorite place in the area. I think you have to be invited by a Beaver Creek Club Member, but not 100% sure. Our club member (friend's Dad) called in our reservations for us.

Had dinner at the Swiss Chalet in Vail. I had the Alper cheese fondue which was really good and very rich. Had some of hubby's raclette, too, the meat was good, they gave him liverwurst, another type of sausage and beef tenderloin. The sausages were definitely the best. This is really rich food. Other people loved the schnitzel. It was fun to have something different for a Vday dinner too.

The next day we just grabbed quick stuff on the way to the airport.

Also as a note Dough the new shop on your way into the village has gluten free items from Udi's which is nice.

[Cm74255]

Aspen is a small town with a ton of restaurant options. Unfortunately, a lot of them are not great. So to begin, there is no such thing as cheap eats in Aspen. Real Estate is expensive, so normally thus what you're paying for. For less expensive dining, I would recommend Ajax Tavern. They serve Simple Bistro Style food inn a comfortable environment. Lunch is the best time to eat here as it is at the base of Aspen mountain and has a amazing view. Ellina and Casa Tua can offer decent Italian food at pretty high prices for simple Italian. Cache Cache is an upscale bistro that tends to be very popular. Well executed simple brasserie style menu. But for the special evening, there is no better restaurant than Montagna at The Little Nell (my employer). Its the only restaurant with a Grand Award Winelist. Also, The new Chef Robert McCormick was Daniel Bolouds Exec Sous Chef for Five years and also did a small stint at Citronelle and Seegers in Atlanta. Sushi is also an option. Takah Sushi for a more approachable price point. Matsuhisa (Nobu) if you wanna break the bank. For late night cocktails, there's no better cocktail bar than Justice Snow's. I hope this helps. Also, if you plan on visiting during The Food and Wine festival, I would make reservations soon.

And just in case you wanna get out of Aspen for some reason, Taqueria Nopal in Basalt is amazing. If you visit on Saturday or Sunday, they offer Pazole and Manudo!

[foodobsessed6]

I'll be in Aspen in July so I am so happy to see these recommendations here. Thanks, Carlton. Hope to see you at The Little Nell.