Hot Eats, Cool Treats and A Buzzing Nightlife All Found in Aspen

ASPEN, Colo. (Spring/Summer 2010) - Dining out is an American pastime, and if the number of restaurants in Aspen is an indicator of the industry, people are definitely hungry. With more eateries than in recent years-well over 100- old favorites mesh with fresh menus and new talent to provide enough culinary options to please any palate. And if that doesn't whet the tastebuds, any of the town's lounges, bars, specialty wine shops and clubs will.

What's Cooking? Here's What New in the Aspen Dining Scene:

   • Longtime favorite Syzygy made the move the Restaurant Row, and its downstairs location invokes Los Angeles lounge feel while still serving up delicious plates like Colorado lamb from chef Martin Oswald. Upstairs, owner Walt Harris opened a more casual version of the restaurant called Ute City. (308 East Hopkins Ave.; 970-925-3700)

   • Plato's, at the Aspen Meadows Resort, recently announced chef Todd Slossberg would take over the helm. Under his direction, the restaurant will have a seasonally focused menu featuring Colorado-grown ingredients. (845 Meadows Rd.; 970.925.4240)

   • The Grape Bar, inside the Hyatt, is a new stop with an extensive wine list, along with six glasses for $6, as well as cheese plates and fondue. (415 East Dean St., (970.920.9463)

   • Look for a cooler feel inside Kenichi, whose owners did a complete $1.4. million renovation to the pan-Asian restaurant, while also expanding the bar menu and updating the menu. (www.kenichiaspen.com; 533 East Hopkins Ave.; 970-920-2212)

   • When D19 shuttered its doors, it didn't stop chef Dena Marino (of Iron Chef fame) from opening her own restaurant on the Hyman Avenue mall. Ellina brings traditional Italian food with a new twist to the table, with an emphasis on slow and local foods. (430 East Hyman Ave.; 970.925.2976)

   • The Dark Horse Alley espresso cart found permanent residence in the atrium of the Ute City Bank building. Serving soups and sandwiches on top of their drink menu, which includes smoothies, coffee, espresso and other liquid treats, Dark Horse Alley is a hidden gem. (501 East Hyman Ave.; 970.319.2068)

   • Argentina native Gonzales "Gonzo" Mirich is opened Hunter Bar in October 2009 in the downstairs space on the corner of Galena Street and Cooper Avenue. With a casual yet stylish ambiance, Mirich plans to serve a skier's buffet breakfast followed by a tapas menu offered until 2 a.m. Nightlife, entertainment and creative cocktails will also be featured. (434 East Cooper Ave.)

   • Kenichi owners have taken their sushi operation to take-out, opening Noodles by Kenichi in the new Fat City Plaza, a collection of small spaces for retailers and restaurants on Cooper Avenue. The new eatery serves fresh, custom-order salads and noodle bowls with Vietnamese choices as well as a selection of curries. (520 East Cooper Ave; 970.925.0086)

   • Eddie Zane, owner of Zane's Tavern with locations in Aspen and Snowmass, opened La Palapa, an authentic Mexican eatery above his Aspen tavern during summer 2009. With moderately priced menu items from south of the border, La Palapa has quickly become a locals' favorite. (308 South Hunter St.; 970.544.8479)

   • Noted Aspen eatery, Gusto Ristorante, received a face lift from local designers Poss Architects and unveiled a new menu under the name Gisella. The restaurant reopened summer 2009 and offers dinner nightly in a romantic ambiance with cuisine derived from several regions of Italy. (415 East Main St.; 970.925.8222; www.gisellaaspen.com)

   • The world-renowned Italian restaurant Il Mulino New York opened an Aspen location in the new Residences at The Little Nell last fall. Known as one of New York's landmark dining institutions, Zagat readers have rated Il Mulino the top New York City Italian restaurant for more than two decades. (520 East Durant Ave.; 970.920.7272)

Go Euro: From Italian to French Bistro, International Cuisine Meets the Rockies

   • L'Hostaria brings authentic Italian fare and ambience to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It offers an extensive list of light appetizers, Carpaccio's, homemade pastas and sumptuous main dishes. (620 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.9022; www.hostaria.com)

   • Brexi, which opened February 2009 in the Dancing Bear Aspen, is owned by restaurateurs Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce, who also operate the highly successful LuLu Wilson and The Wild Fig. Brexi features French-bistro fare. (620 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.2510)

• Jour de Fête is a French deli offering both healthy snacks and warm comfort foods for breakfast and lunch. (710 East Durant Ave.; 970.925.5055)

   • Cache Cache's bar menu is a favorite among Aspen locals and visitors, and the divine dining room epitomizes Aspen's fine-dining scene. Owned by longtime Aspenites Jodi larner and chef Chris Lanter, Cache Cache features French bistro-style cuisine and an elegant yet comfortable ambience. (205 South Mill St.; 970.544.8248; www.cachecache.com)

Locavore Love

   • Montagna. This elegant restaurant in the opulent Little Nell hotel is under the masterful direction of executive chef Ryan Hardy, a 2008 James Beard nominee for Best Chef in the Southwest. Serving up the freshest fare, Hardy grows produce and raises livestock on his 15-acre Rendezvous Farm in addition to discovering local sources for his handcrafted foods. (675 E Durant Ave.; 970.920.6330; www.TheLittleNell.com)

   • LuLu Wilson's chef Shane Coffey is all about local foods, from farm-raised meats and poultry to fresh seasonal produce, like the restaurant's infamous kale salad. (316 East Hyman Ave., 970.920.1893; www.luluwilson.com)

   • Escape Bistro, inside Explore Booksellers, is a veggie-centric restaurant that also serves sustainably raised fish. The former bistro housed here got a serious makeover and the menu reflects the energy that's been injected into the town's only bookstore and veggie-friendly restaurant. 221 East Main St., 970.925.5338; www.explorebooksellers.com)

Not Grandma-Style American Cookin'

   • Piñons offers upscale fine dining with gorgeous views of Aspen Mountain, a delectable alpine menu and an award-winning wine list. (105 South Mill St.; 970.920.2021; www.pinons.net)

   • 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 $500 per couple. (411 East Hopkins Ave.; 970.925.2929; www.caribouclub.com)

   • Willow Creek Bistro. Nestled at the base of Aspen Highlands, this sophisticated restaurant features fine continental, American fare with beautiful patio dining. (75 Prospector Rd.; 970.429.2327; www.willowcreekbistro.com)

   • 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. (11399 Castle Creek Rd; 970.925.1044; www.pinecreekcookhouse.com)

   • Jimmy's American Restaurant & Bar. 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 mezcal and a lively bar scene. (205 South Mill St.; 970.925.6020; www.jimmysaspen.com)

   • Elevation. Modern and chic, this restaurant serves innovative, new-American cuisine. Try the wasabi Caesar Salad, Caramelized Black Cod or the Wagyu New York Strip. (304 East Hopkins Ave.; 970.544.5166; www.elevationaspen.com) Elevation owners also operate Social, serving global tapas (meant to be shared) in a decidedly modern and locally fresh approach. (304 East Hopkins Ave.; 970.925.9700; www.social-aspen.com)

   • 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 food, and mixes a mean margarita.(2858 Woody Creek Rd.; 970.923.4585)

From the Sea

   • 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. (303 East Main St.; 970.544.6628; www.matsuhisaaspen.com)

   • Pacifica Seafood & Raw Bar. 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. (307 South Mill St.; 970.920.9775; www.pacificaaspen.com)

   • 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. (533 East Hopkins Ave.; 970.920.2212; www.kenichiaspen.com)

On the Go: For Those Looking to Save Money and Time

   • Johnny McGuire's. This beloved Aspen deli has become a Colorado phenomenon, with monster sandwiches perfect for a picnic or a hike. (730 East Cooper Ave.; 970.920.9255; www.johnnymcguires.com)

   • 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 2 a.m. to satisfy the late-night crowd. (409 East Hyman St.; 970.920.3088)

   • Boogie's Diner. A favorite for the kid in all of us, this 1950s-style diner offers some of the best sandwiches and milkshakes in town. (534 East Cooper Ave.; 970.925.6610)

   • Hickory House. Unbeatable hearty breakfasts and famous baby back ribs put this local barbeque joint on Oprah's infamous list of her favorite things. (730 West Main St.; 970.925.2313; www.hickoryhouseribs.com)

   • Big Wrap. There is always a hungry crowd at this wrap and smoothie shop. Homemade vegan soups and fresh tacos add to the diverse wrap menu and daily specials. (520 East Durant Ave.; 970.925.4977)

   • INK! Coffee will impress even Starbucks fanatics. This locally owned, gourmet coffee bar also offers bagels and spreads, pastries, and Panini's. (520 East Durant Ave.; 970.544.0588; www.inkcoffee.com)

After Dark. When the sun goes down, Aspen's social scene heats up. Whether you're looking for intimate live music, a quiet cocktail or exuberant crowds, Aspen's bars, watering holes and concert venues quench every craving.

For Music Lovers

   • Belly Up Aspen rocks year-round with an eclectic mix of top headliners ranging from Mos Def to ZZ Top and everything in between. Its flawless sound system and intimate setting (accommodating only 450 guests) makes every show one to remember. (450 South Galena St.; 970.544.9800; www.bellyupaspen.com)

   • Wheeler Opera House, an historic gem in downtown Aspen, features a diverse summer calendar with film screenings, comedy acts and jamming rock bands. (320 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.5770; www.wheeleroperahouse.com)

   • Shadow Mountain Lounge at St. Regis Aspen Resort hosts live blues, folk and jazz bands best enjoyed with their infamous Bloody Mary, which was first concocted at St. Regis New York and called a "Red Snapper." (232 West Hyman Ave.; 970.920.3300; www.stregisaspen.com)

   • Double Dog Pub, a cozy, downstairs bar decorated with canine curios, features a live bluegrass band every Tuesday. (303 E Hopkins Ave.; 970.544.5110 )

   • Open-Air Performances. During the summer, Aspen is home to 750 music students participating in the Aspen Music Festival and School. Stroll through town and catch an impromptu performance as the music students practice their compositions. Wander over to the open-air Benedict Music Tent and take in an evening orchestra performance from the lawn.)

   • After a makeover from the owners of Kenichi, Bad Billy's, in the former Cooper Street Pier space, is now a hot-bed for live, local music on the weekends and a great place to also catch the game. (508 East Cooper Ave.; 970.925.9225)

Be Scene

   • 39 Degrees at The Sky Hotel, home an infamous outdoor pool scene, serves up chic cocktails like the Botox Martini and other creative concoctions. (709 East Durant Ave.; 970.925.6760; www.theskyhotel.com)

   • Eric's Bar, which spills into Aspen Billiards, The Cigar Bar and Su Casa, is the epicenter of Aspen's see-and-be-seen commotion. From the hip dance floor to the hazy smokers' haven, each quadrant offers a different vibe. (315 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.6707)

   • Zocalito Latin Bistro serves up famous raspberry mojitos, the perfect "happy hour" thirst quencher after an action-packed summer day. (420 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.1991)

For Whatever Ales You

   • Bad Billy's, a new addition to Aspen's bar scene, pours tall pints best enjoyed over a game of pool or shuffleboard. (508 East Cooper St.; 970.925.2947)

   • Aspen Brewery, owned and operated by young Aspen locals, offers unique beers brewed on-site and served up in its quaint tasting room. (557 North Mill St.; 970.920.2739; www.aspenbrewery.com)

   • Bentley's at the Wheeler imparts Aspen's historic mining past with its brass ceiling and seasoned bar stools. Stop by for an evening micro brew, and don't miss the Sunday morning, serve-yourself Bloody Mary bar. (221 South Mill St.; 970.920.2240)

   • Zane's Tavern, tucked in a cozy corner of downtown Aspen, offers beers, cocktails, and an approachable bar atmosphere with the TVs all tuned to sports. (308 South Hunter St.; 970.544.9263)

Groove Time

   • Fly Lounge, a swanky nightclub designed to mimic the inside of a Leer jet, boasts a blistering dance floor, velvet-roped VIP tables with bottle services, and servers dressed as stewardesses. (426 East Hyman Ave.; 970.925.9813; www.flyloungeaspen.com)

   • The Regal Watering Hole sizzles with a sultry atmosphere, delicious cocktails and a hopping dance floor. (220 South Galena St.; 720.275.3876; www.regalaspen.com)

   • Recently relocated Syzygy, a French fusion restaurant, slips into a techno dance party after 11 p.m. nights with a live DJ and champagne bottle service. (308 East Hopkins Ave.; 970.925.3700)

   • Jimmy's, An American Restaurant & Bar clears the dining room and hosts sexy salsa dancing on Saturday nights. The one-and-only Jimmy always opens with the first dance. (205 South Mill St.; 970.925.6020; www.jimmysaspen.com)

For media information and images, visit Aspen Chamber Resort Association Media Center at www.aspenchamber.org/media.

For visitor information, visit http://www.aspenchamber.org/, or call 1.888.290.1324 or 970.925.1940.

Media Contact:

Maureen Poschman • [email protected] • 970.925.8480

Alex de L'Arbre • [email protected]