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Media Center > Aspen Dining Scene
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FROM GOURMET GRUB TO NIGHTTIME HOTSPOTS: ASPEN ENTERTAINS EVERY TASTE
ASPEN, Colo. (Spring/Summer 2008) — A key ingredient in Aspen’s cosmopolitan mountain town is the variety of diverse options for dining and after-dark playtime. For a small resort nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen features a plethora of gourmet eateries and charming local restaurants to suit every palate. After dinner, there is no shortage of night spots to enjoy a cocktail and play accordingly.
New on the Scene
• Social opened in winter 2007 and features sleek modern furnishing and accents to compliment a chic new menu of global tappas and small plates meant for sharing. The lower level of Social is an intimate restaurant setting with reservations recommended, while the upstairs space features a wine bar and late night lounge. (970.920.6330)
Where to Lunch
• Mezzaluna (970.920.6330) serves up Italian fare and fresh thin crust pizzas while JBar (970.920.2021) is famous for its juicy burgers and offers a palette-tempting menu with fresh salads, soups and paninis accompanied by to-die-for sweet potato fries. Gusto (970.925.8222) has a not-to-be-missed $13 power lunch special served at their bar every weekday in addition to an authentic Italian menu serving fresh fare year round.Find a great people-watching patio and refreshing Mediterranean fare at Wild Fig (970.925.5160).
A Cut Above
• Montagna. This elegant restaurant in the opulent Little Nell hotel is THE spot for a luxurious gourmet experience. Executive Chef Ryan Hardy delivers freshly inspired “Alpine Cuisine” while Master Sommelier Richard Betts skillfully pairs complimentary wines from his vast cellar harboring more than 11,000 bottles and 800 selections. (970.920.6330)
• Piñons offers upscale fine dining with gorgeous views of Aspen Mountain, a delectable alpine menu and an award winning wine list (970.920.2021)
• The Caribou Club. This private club serves up Aspen’s best to Aspen’s elite. Dining at the Club is legendary, and available only to members or those sponsored by members. Weekly memberships are available for vacationers at $5,000 per person. (970.925.2929)
• Willow Creek Bistro. Nestled at the base of Aspen Highlands, this sophisticated restaurant features fine continental, American fare with beautiful patio dining. (970.429.2327)
• Olives Aspen. The Aspen branch of Todd English’s Boston establishment offers Mediterranean-inspired American cuisine led by Executive Chef Patrick Dahms. (970.920.7356)
• Pine Creek Cookhouse. Located 12 miles outside Aspen at the base of the Elk Mountain Range, the Cookhouse provides a gourmet dining experience in an authentic mountain atmosphere, complete with log cabin and wilderness surroundings. It is best known for creatively prepared, naturally raised game specialties. (970.925.1044)
• Matsuhisa serves up mouthwatering sushi and Japanese dishes with fine wines and an extensive sake list. A member of the Nobu restaurant family, this establishment is always in demand. (970.544.6628)
Local’s Favorites
• Cache Cache . A local’s favorite and consistent crowd pleaser, this French restaurant delivers ambience, several delectable courses and an well paired wine selection (970.925.3835)
• Elevation. Modern and chic, this restaurant serves exquisite new-American cuisine. Try the wasabi Caesar Salad, Caramelized Black Cod or the Prosciutto Wrapped Pork over a sweet potato puree. (970.544.5166)
• Jimmy’s. With a sophisticated “everybody knows your name” atmosphere and a traditional American surf and turf menu, Jimmy’s is a consistent crowd pleaser. The restaurant also features more than 70 varieties of tequila and mescal and a lively bar scene. (970.925.6020)
• Pacifica. Craving fresh fish? Sample from a variety of hot and cold plates at this popular seafood spot while sipping one of their juicy mango mojitos. (970.920.9775)
• Kenichi. A place to see and be seen, this popular sushi den is constantly abuzz. Talented chefs bring global tastes to the extensive sushi menu. (970.920.2212)
• L’Hostaria brings authentic Italian fare and ambience to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. An extensive list of light appetizers and carpaccios accent the homemade pastas and sumptuous main dishes. (970.920.9022)
• Woody Creek Tavern. Frequented by the late Hunter S. Thompson and a lively local crew, this home-cooked hideaway in Woody Creek serves up steaks, burgers, Mexican fare and mixes a mean margarita. (970.923.4585)
Quick and Affordable
• Johnny McGuire’s. This beloved Aspen deli has become a Colorado phenomenon, with monster sandwiches perfect for a picnic or a hike (970.920.9255)
• New York Pizza. Big thin-crust slices start at $3, so this Big Apple-style pizzeria is hard to beat for the budget-conscious and it is open until 2a.m. to feed the bar crowd too. (970.920.3088)
• Boogie’s. A favorite for the kid in all of us, this 50s style diner offers some of the best sandwiches and milkshakes in town. (970.925.6610)
• Hickory House. Unbeatable hearty breakfasts and famous baby back ribs make this local barbeque joint a must. (970.925.2313)
• Big Wrap . There is always a hungry crowd at this wrap and smoothie stop. Homemade vegan soups and fresh tacos add to the diverse wrap menu and daily specials. (970.925.4977)
• INK! Coffee will even impress Starbucks fanatics. This locally owned, gourmet coffee bar also offers bagels and spreads, pastries, and panini. (970.544.0588)
• Jour de Fête is a French deli offering both healthy snacks and warm comfort foods for breakfast and lunch. (970.925.5055)
Live Entertainment
• For live music and big name acts, be sure to buy tickets to Belly Up, Aspen’s most happening live music venue. (970.544.7800) Aspen Comedy Club dishes up laughs with local and famous comedians as well as a full bar and dinner menu. (970.544.0588) Live blues, folk and jazz can be heard at Shadow Mountain Lounge , located in the posh St. Regis Resort, Aspen. (970.920.3300) For comedy and music in a dinner theater setting, try the Crystal Palace .(970.925.1455)
Cocktails & The Who’s Who
• The ever popular who’s who scene begins and ends at Eric’s , which also houses Aspen Billiards , The Cigar Bar and Su Casa . (970.920.6707) For a poolside botox martini or a hot toddie by an indoor or outdoor fireplace, 39 Degrees at The Sky Hotel serves up chic. For a crisp white or warm red, stop by The Wine Spot at the Grand Hyatt . Their extensive Wines by the Glass list is the perfect stop before or after dinner. (970.920.9463)
Find Me in the Pub
• Looking for frosty brews and some shuffleboard? Check out Cooper Street Pier (970.925.7758) or the Double Dog Pub (970.544.5110) Bentley’s and Zane’s Tavern also offer beers, cocktails and an approachable pub atmosphere with TVs tuned to all the latest sports games.
Give Me Something to Dance To…
• The new Fly Lounge will offer a dance floor, bottle service and cocktails in a newly renovated bar decorated to look like an airplane inside. The Regal Watering Hole is also a new hot spot with nightly DJs, drink specials and a sultry atmosphere to get the groove on. Aspen’s largest dancefloor can be found at Club Chelsea, a crowd favorite on weekends. (970.920.0066)
The Insider’s Scoop
• For tasty gourmet meals at a discount, hit up the bar menus around town: Cache Cache, Jimmy’s & Elevation are among the best and often host a late night scene of savvy socialites sipping martinis until the wee hours. On Sunday nights, slip into Sygygy after 11 p.m., when the French fusion restaurant makes way for a live techno DJ and champagne bottle service. Free drinks for the ladies are served until 11p.m. at Club Chelsea every Tuesday for Ladies’ Night. On Friday nights, Dish Aspen transforms their restaurant into “Dish After Dark,” an underground dance party with a DJ playing hot remixes. Saturday nights aren’t complete without some sexy salsa at Jimmy’s . The one and only Jimmy always opens with the first dance.
For more information, visit the Aspen Chamber Resort Association at www.aspenchamber.org , or call 1.888.290.1324 or 970.925.1940.
Contact: Maureen Poschman / maureen@promoinc.net / 970.925.8480
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