EatAspen Blog

Chef Miguel Diaz is the new head chef of Ellina restaurant on the Cooper Avenue Mall in downtown Aspen.  A role he has stepped into since the departure of his mentor, Dena Marino, who helped launched the new Aspen restaurant during the winter of 2009/10.

Miguel came to Aspen 14 years ago from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and it was in Aspen that he started his culinary career.  He eventually landed under the tutalage of Marino who brought him with her from Ajax Tavern to D19 and then to Ellina.  Miguel found early on that cooking made him happy and was the perfect fit for his Aspen lifestyle.  As former sous chef under Marino he was responsible for 80% of the Ellina’s menu and now he has the opportunity to shine in his own right as the executive chef.  Look for his Puerto Vallarta roots to bring alot of unique fish and latin fusion specials onto the menu as well as great fresh local produce.

The newly increased online ability of customers to share reviews and comments about your restaurant can be a bit frightening.  What is really the best way to deal with this newly empowered consumer?

Well EatAspen.com attended the Aspen Food and Wine Trade Seminar “Social Media: Managing a Newly Empowered Consumer” to find out.  The ballroom of the Hotel Jerome was full of restaurant industry profesionals and a panel discussion was led by representatives from Facebook, UrbanSpoon, Kimpton Hotels and a famous Twittering Chef.

We know you are in a hurry and want the meat of the seminar, so here are the main points.

Build an online strategy: With an online strategy you can keep the information fresh, have a focus on who and what can be posted by your employees and a way to respond.

Don’t outsource Facebook or Twitter. It needs to be your voice, honest, and genuine. You have to respond to angry or upset customers. This is also a great opportunity to improve your restaurant by listening to the consumer.

Don’t use Twitter & Facebook to Promote. Your Facebook and Twitter accounts should promote customer dialog. If you are only promoting your restaurant and specials, people will stop following your restaurant. Now you’ve lost their ear for good.

The online conversation is happening with or without you. Customers are talking about your restaurant, service, and business online no matter if you have a twitter or Facebook account. It is better to be part of the dialog and learn from your customers than to be in the dark.

Keep your restaurant information online & up to date. Consumers are more likely to come to your restaurant if they can find your menu, see pictures, and your information is up to date.

If you have further questions or need help building your on-line strategy, please contact us at info@eataspen.com

Thanks to the panel!  Kevin Colleran (Facebook’s director of national sales), Chris Cosentino (executive chef at Incanto in San Fransico), Niki Leondakis (COO of Kimpton Hotels), and Ethan Lowry (Urbanspoon).

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WC3 World Cup Kick Off Party – England v USA. Saturday, June 12, 2010 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Woody Creek Community Center is showing every kick of every game on a giant 7 foot screen in a room dedicated to The World Cup. Full bar and great food at great prices…. Lots of free parking. Come join the fun! Downtown Woody Creek. Contact 970-922-2342

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The summer season is in full swing with the re-opening of Syzygy restaurant tonight, June 11 2010. Owner Walt Harris, brought it up a notch when he remade the long loved Syzygy restaurant this past winter, with it’s premier in a new space with seductive interior design elements.  The menu is also brought up a notch with Tom Fritz as the new Chef de Cuisine.  Look for Tom’s spring interpretation of the menu with the inclusion of fresh, local ingredients as well as a few new inventive menu additions.

Good Eats!

View Syzygy Restaurant Listing

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Social restaurant located on Aspen’s restaurant row on Hopkins St. will not be reopening for the summer of 2010.  Following is a note from the restauranteurs.

“We are sad to announce the closure of Social restaurant in Aspen. After two and a half wonderful years of good times, laughter, smiles, cries, heartaches, awesome food, creative drinks, great customers, good memories and bad ones, we have decided to close the doors and focus on Elevation restaurant and bar. It is a bittersweet decision, yet a necessary one, as our lease is expiring and we are not able to make ends meet.

“May you live in interesting times” was a saying in ancient China. Indeed we are. However, with everything we do in life, we must remember the great things, learn from the bad ones and become better people for it. The foundation of Social (literally and figuratively, both) was always Elevation restaurant. Rather than focusing on the bad things that comes with closing a business, we want to look at this as a new beginning. We are condensing, downscaling and taking the best of Social’s menu and ideas to make Elevation even better and more competitive.

We would just like to thank everyone that made Social a great place to eat, drink, socialize and work. First and foremost, all the staff who believed in what we were doing, put their heart and soul into it and sincerely looked at Social as more than a paycheck. Of course, also the people who expressed that Social was their favorite restaurant in Aspen or the world and how could we forget the five year old who said that “this is the best day in my life” as his mouth was covered in chocolate fondue, when asked how dinner was.

To all the fellow restaurateurs and small business owners in Aspen –keep up the good work and let’s continue to make Aspen the greatest place on earth to visit and live in.”

Tommy, Gunnar, and Denise

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Enter this contest by June 3rd for a chance to win two passes to the 2010 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen June 18^th through 20^th, as well as a $500 gift card.

Plastics Make it Possible^SM, an initiative sponsored by the American Chemistry Council, is hosting the contest on www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/2010/05/aspen-challenge. All you have to do to enter is visit the online destinations and answer one simple question:

“How do you use plastics to create your favorite foods or memorable parties?”

Whether it’s a favorite plastic kitchen gadget or an avant-garde new cooking technique, all entrants to the contest should feel free to be creative and can even include links to photos and videos of how plastics improve their culinary and entertaining experiences.

The contest closes at 11:59 p.m. MT on June 3. The winner will be announced on June 4 atwww.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/2010/05/aspen-challenge. Please see the contest rules and restrictions here for more details.

Some Aspen restaurants that have been closed for the spring are reopening this weekend.

Takah Sushi re-opens Friday May 28th and offers 1/2 off Atomic Shrimp & Sake this week.

Brexi French restaurant reopens Thursday May 27

Cache Cache French restaurant reopens Thursday May 27

Su Casa mexican restaurant reopened May 19th

Kenichi Sushi is hosting a fund raiser for Mountain Rescue (you know the crew that may just save your butt) Thursday night May 20th. Make any dollar donation to Mountain Rescue and you get 50% off your food, sushi, and sake.

Snowmass Chili & Brew Festival June 4th and 5th, 2010 wants to taste your chili.

“So you think you make great chili? Is your secret ingredient up for a challenge? Attendees at the 7th Annual Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest Local’s Competition are ready to find out! You and other cooks will battle it out for the honored title of “Local Chili Head Winner.” The first place winner will be awarded a $200 cash prize and an original Snowmass trophy. Chili Pepper prizes will also be awarded to 2nd and 3rd place winners.

New this year, the Local Chili Cook-off will take place as part of the festival activities on Saturday, June 5th at 3:00pm! Participating as a cook in the People’s Choice Chili Tasting will be very exciting and allows you to be a part of the greater festival experience.

Wondering about Requirements?
All cooks in the competition are required to make a minimum of 5 gallons of chili. Hint: the more chili you make, the more people taste, the more votes you may get, the better your chance of winning!
The type of chili you make is up to you and your imagination; there are no official rules other than ensuring safe and clean cooking techniques are used.
The People’s Choice Chili Tasting and Voting begins at 3:00 pm; please do not allow the public to taste your chili samples until that official time.
Please bring a sign with the name of your chili and the chef for voters to identify your entry.
In order to sign-up as a local cook, please e-mail Chelsey at chelseydoell@gmail.com your name, phone number, address, and credit card number. A credit card number is required as ransom for Pepper & Brew Fest weekend Party Passes you’ll receive to use in advance. Any no-shows will be charged for the weekend Party Pass.

What are the Spicy Benefits of Being a Local Chili Cook?
You’ll receive two FREE PARTY PASSES for the entire weekend’s festivities. This pass provides access to the Pepper Hill festival grounds where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy microbrew sampling & grand tasting, ICS chili competition chili tasting, and concerts.
Free microbrew, European, & exotic exclusive sampling during the Grand Beer Sampling!
Recognition in the Valley as one of the greatest culinary chili stars!

People’s Choice Local’s Chili Cook-off – Saturday, June 5, 2010
Cook Registration will be at 11:00 am-12:00 noon.
More information about the exact location of check in and the competition will be provided in your confirmation.
Tables, stoves, propane, paper towels, and serving cups will be provided; please bring your own pot, utensils and everything else you’ll need for cooking. Any and all festive décor/attire is encouraged.
Cooking starts at 12:00 p.m.
At least some onsite cooking is required– it’s part of the fun for everyone!
A minimum of 5 gallons of chili is required for all entries!
People’s Choice Chili Tasting and voting are at 3:00 pm.”

Questions? Contact Chelsey at 970-930-5956, chelseydoell@gmail.com

The last days of skiing also means it’s the best time to eat out in Aspen and although many restaurants close for the off season, the ones that remain open often offer some pretty good deals.  This coupled with the fact that it’s easy to get a table and everyone is super chill, tends to be the reason many Aspen locals eat out the most during the off seasons.  Helping you get a handle on the bang in your buck we’ve listed some Aspen restaurant specials below.

Ajax Tavern 2 course dinner prix-fixe $28

Wienerstube Austrian restaurant offers a dinner menu with reduced prices through the off season

Nutrition Gourmet Salad Bar is offering a free drink or sweet with your lunch if you mention EatAspen

Rustique French Bistro is offering a Spring two course menu for only $26.  View Menu
Also offering 3 course family style meal of Fried Chicken every Thursday only $23.

Lulu Wilson French restaurant $32 prixe fixe, appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Elevation modern American restaurant has entree specials starting at $13 – Industry Night. 50% off for restaurant and hotel employees Wed. Night

Asie Asian restaurant 3 Courses for $29

Mezzaluna Italian restaurant offers 2 for 1 entrees

Bentley’s Pub offers daily lunch & dinner Specials.  Happy Hour 3:30-6 p.m. Bloody Mary Bar Sat & Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m

Wild Fig Mediterranean Restaurant all menu items under $20

Boogies Diner 20% Breakfast through May

il Mulino Italian Restaurant offers 4 courses for $30 through June 15th.

Campo di Fiori Italian Restaurant offers 25% off your entire bill.

L’Hostaria Italian Restaurant offers 3 course dinner for $30

Snowmass Off Season Dining Deals

Viceroy’s Eight K restaurant $8 menu every day from 12pm – 2pm, and 4pm – 6pm for the entire month of May! Sushi $8 menu on Monday’s & Tuesday’s!

Down Valley eateries even get in on the action.

Cuvee Bistro Special is $10 Happy Hour 3:30pm-6:30pm glass of wine/beer & appetizer for only $10

Is there a special you think should be listed ?  Email us at info@eataspen.com

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See which restaurants are open or closed during the off season in the  Aspen Restaurant Guide

Carbondale’s “Taste of Spring” with Food, Beer & Wine Tastings, Martini Bar, & Music from Monkey Luv.  The Carbondale Chamber gathers a selection of local restaurants to provide a great selection of good eats, good drinks, and good times.

When: Friday April 23 2010 from 6pm-10pm

Where: The Gathering Center 110 Snowmass Drive Carbondale

Price: $50 per person $60 day of.  (970) 963-1890

View other Roaring Fork Valley Events

Tonight, April 17th 2010, is the last night to get 20% off the entire bill at Brexi Restaurant in Aspen.  The French Bistro Brexi will be closing for the off season and will reopen in June..

View current Aspen Food & Wine news

View Aspen Restaurant Guide

You have one week to get your last meal at Topper’s & your last drink at the Double Dog. Two Aspen restaurants closing for good this next week.  Topper’s restaurant will be closing in addition to the Steak Pit Restaurant/Double Dog Pub.

Topper’s closes Wednesday April 15th 2010 with a party complete with DJ.  So after you mail those taxes at the post office you can help Topper drain the liquor cabinet.

The Steak Pit Restaurant and Double Dog Pub will be closing Sunday April 11th 2010.  The Steak Pit has been in Aspen at one location for the last 50 years.  Next door to the Pit, The Double Dog, a local’s favorite, has held court for just 4 short years, yet will be sadly missed.  We have dibs on the shuffle board table Saturday Night.

Read more about the Steak Pit/Double Dog closing in the Aspen Times.
Read more about Topper’s closing in the Aspen Daily News.

View current Aspen Food News.
Find Where to Eat in Aspen.

Pinons Restaurant is offering a locals special 3 courses for $40 all night, bar and dining room Monday April 5th through closing night Saturday April 10th 2010.  Reopening in June.

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The Aspen Skiing Company is apologizing for the local ski pass restructuring this year by picking up your bar tap today. Drink for free during Apres Ski at any Aspen Ski Company Bar or Restaurant today April 1st 2010. Oh yea, April Fools…..

There is no better time of the year to go out for brunch than Easter Sunday.  Here are some options for an Aspen Easter Brunch on April 4th 2010.

Montagna at the Little Nell is offering an Easter brunch from 11am-2:30pm. $48 a person.
View Montagna’s Easter Menu

Plato’s at the Aspen Meadows is offering a Prix Fix Easter Menu from 11am-2:30pm. $45 a person.
View Plato’s Easter Menu.

The Hotel Jerome is offering an Easter Brunch Buffet with two seatings at 10am & 1pm with an Easter Egg Hunt a 1/2 hour prior to each. $65 Adults, $30 under 12.
View Jerome’s Easter Menu.

The Restuarant at the St. Regis is offering an Easter Brunch from 11am-3pm.  $65 Adults/ $25 children.
View St. Regis Easter Menu.

Do you have a favorite Easter dinner destination? Email us at info@eataspen.com

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Noodles by Kenichi has closed it’s doors.  What was welcomed as a good addition to the Aspen cheap eats dining scene this past October never got off the ground.  Reports of the closing where confirmed by a visit to the empty noodle shop last night when we found a closed sign posted on the door.  Truly unfortunate that they couldn’t  squeak out till the end of the season but articles in both the Aspen Daily News and Aspen Times mention they where bleeding money which left them behind in rent.

Is this lower level space cursed?  It is a common occurrence.  For awhile now, no restaurant located in this space has ever done well. From Chequers restaurant, which after what seemed like years of renovations then never opened for business, to Texas Reds BBQ, which operated for a little more than a year then transformed into the comedy club before evaporating.  You would think however that the new medicinal marijuana dispensary next door to Noodles by Kenichi would have generated a steady stream of hungry patients next but to no avail. With the rent at $5,500 a month for the small corner space we may see another Aspen restauranteur try another eatery here but can they break the curse?

Is this the wrong time to open any new Aspen restaurant?  The cocky assumption that Aspen is recession proof has proved to bite us in the ass.  Lower numbers of visitors and lower spending among those visitors has left many Aspen restaurants hungry and it’s no surprise that what has traditionally been a tough market to prove yourself in has become even tougher for any new restaurant in Aspen.

The rumor mill is also flush with tales of restaurants that aren’t so new not being able to make the cut, perhaps up to 4 more casualties this spring.  The rumors also state that some Aspen landlords may be more prone to let their space sit empty for “years” than re-negotiate leases with restauranteurs for fear of lowering that monopoly like rent ceiling that a bulk of their properties still generate.

It’s always been a changing landscape in the Aspen restaurant scene and we just hope that ultimately it is for the best.  Good luck to whomever attempts to break that curse.

View Aspen Restaurants that are still alive.

The Zele corner comes to life again just in time for those beautiful Spring days. Peach’s Corner Cafe is now serving coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies as well as other thirst quenchers and will start serving food by next week.

Boden’s Butter is a organic bakery located inside by Specialty Foods of Aspen or the Cheese Shop.
Opened in early February Boden’s and offers gluten free organic muffins and other treats.

The discussion of mobile food carts has been discussed in Aspen City Council & the Aspen Chamber and we at Eat Aspen want to know what you think. Please vote below.

Feed yourself & the Hungry.  The annual “Empty Bowls Dinner” event takes place Wed. March 3 from 5-7pm at Bumps restaurant at Buttermilk mountain.

Local students create ceramic bowls and with a $10 donation you can enjoy a bowl of soup, bread & dessert and go home with one of the ceramic bowls.  Proceeds benefit the non-profit Lift-Up which operates food pantries and soup kitchens in the Roaring Fork Valley.  Yes Aspen, there are people in need around you, help them out and support a good cause.

View other Aspen Fundraisers

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Last winter, 2009 that is,  Aspen Highlands Ski area celebrated it’s 5oth anniversary with an evening bash at the mid mountain restaurant the Merry-go-Round.  There was a equal mix of ski bum, ski patrol, and ski brass. A buffet, Champagne, wine, cocktails, and a Jamming band (Jes Crew).  The attire was black tie & duct tape, which was adhered to in some since with some full on tux & tails ensembles as well as the duct tape enthusiasts (the creative crowd).

It all proved to be a very unique and entertaining experience.  So why not do it again.  This Saturday February 27, 2010 is the second “Black Tie & Duct Tape Ball at Aspen Highlands”.  Aspen Ski Company employees can purchase tickets for $40, $65 for non-employees. Includes buffet dinner with prime rib and a glass or wine or beer/  Live band and dancing with Nite Plane. Upload Exhibition lift from 6-6:60pm downloading to begin at 9:30pm (no skiing down) Tickets available at any Aspen”Snowmass ticket office or by calliny (970)-544-3045

The bar was overwhelmed with it’s popularity last year, let’s hope they learned that lesson.  Ski bums & patrol outweighed the brass 10 to 1 so it’s not your typical Aspen cocktail soirée but it is good to see the elbows rub.  And hey, if your not gonna be wearing a tux you better have on some duct tape!

Find other Aspen Events & Aspen Parties

Yea it’s a mouthful to pronounce but we can’t wait to touch it to our lips.  Aspen sushi restaurant Kenichi creates it’s own sake.

“Kenichi is pleased to in introduce its own Kenichi label Saki, Tanuki’s Magic Junmai Daiginjo.  In 2007, Kenichi partners Bil Rieger and Scott Brasington traveled to Japan to find the ultimate sake to perfectly pair with the diverse and delicious flavors of Kenichi’s cuisine.  A search from Hokkaido to hiroshima and many shuzo (breweries) in between ended with one sip of this clean and boldly elegant Junmai Daiginjo sake from a small, ancient brewery in the Eastern Hills of Kyoto. Perhaps only one half of one percent of all sakes brewed in the world qualify as Junmai Daiginjo grade, meaning the special rice has been polished until the kernel is at least 50% polished away, allowing brewers to work with the most preferred core of the rice.  That night Bill and Scott celebrated with their new Toji (sake brewer), Mr. Hirano of the Higashiyama Shuzo brewry, at a local Izakaya and toasted to their good fortune-”To Tanuki!” then, they realized they had the perfect name for their sake. Tanuki, a mischievous Japanese folklore character, is known for fun filled nights and an undeniable love of sake-perfectly aligned with the fun vibe synonymous with Kenichi!”

View all Aspen Sushi Restaurants

View recent writings on Aspen Food.

$8 lunch at respective Aspen/Snowmass on mountain restaurants.

Got a ski pass? Get a “Powder Hound Special”, burger and a Bud, or soda, for just $8.

Available at the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain, Ullrhof on Snowmass, Merry-Go-Round on Aspen Highlands and Cliffhouse on Buttermilk.

Sneaky’s and Ajax Tavern also offers a $3 Budweiser après ski special from 3 – 5 p.m. for all season passholders.

Specials Good Until March 7th 2010

View all Aspen/Snowmass On Mountain Restaurants

View all recent Aspen/Snowmass Restaurant Specials

Congratulations to 2 valley residents for making it to the James Beard Semi-Finalists for the Best Chef Award of 2010.  Ryan Hardy of Montagna at the Little Nell Hotel in Aspen and Mark Fischer of six89 in Carbondale were nominated as Best Chef in the American SouthWest.  Neither are new to this as both were semifinalist last year.  Best of Luck.  See all semifinalists.

Aspen Restaurant Mustang Specials: Mondays & Tuesdays  3 course pre fix for $28.  Tuesday Live Music & $10 for two jalapeno poppers, a Coors and a shot. Friday Happy Hour from 5-7pm.  Restaurant specials good as of Feb. 2010

View Aspen Restaurant Guide.

Read recent Aspen Food News.

Join the final feast of Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday February 16 in Snowmass, Colorado.  The Mardi Gras Parade is at 4pm in the Snowmass Village Mall. Apres Ski at 5pm at Snowmass bars and restaurants.

Although a very minor reflection of the parades along Canal St. in “Nrlins” it is entertaining.  Purple & Gold beads are aplenty however they lack the proper exchange rate.  You can find a great party afterward in the Snowmass bars.  I swear once at the Mountain Dragon, with the jamming  band, it had the funk of the house of the rising sun.

View Snowmass Restaurants.

Read current Aspen/Snowmass Food & Wine Articles

Aspen’s most famous bar is set to open again and this time it sounds like it’s for real.  The Red Onion has been vacant for 3 years with the ongoing promise that it was to reopen evaporating this past summer.  Now Aspen Chef Tom Colosi has his eyes on the prize, for what a prize it will be, instant name recognition and the “regulars” that come with it.  With Colosi’s former roots at the Blue Maize, we are pretty confident that the Onion well be transformed into the type of eatery local Aspenites expect it to be “Welcoming, Funky, and Comfortable.”

Read Story from Aspen Daily News .

Base Camp Bar and Grill at Snowmass Base Village opens today!  Apres Ski will be jamming with Jes crew.  This new restaurant is opening in the space formally occupied by Junk/Liquid Sky.  Nice to see a little life infused back into a beautiful space.  Details to follow…

Valentine’s Day in Aspen

Plato’s Restaurant Valentines Pre-Fixe Dinner with a glass of Sparkling Wine. $60 per person

Montagna presents an exquisite 5-course Valentine’s dinner prepared by Chef Hardy. $150 per person View Menu

Wienerstube hosts a special 6 course Austrian Valentine’s Evening. $55 per person.  View Menu.

Takah Sushi will feature special rolls & other specials for Valentine’s day.

The Restaurant at the St. Regis presents 5-course dinner paired w/ champagne. Begin with canapés 7pm in the Astor library with dinner  in The Restaurant at 8pm. $275 per person. View Menu.

Valentine’s Day in Snowmass

Eight K, Viceroy Snowmass’ much lauded restaurant, announces an exclusive Valentine’s Day dinner. $125 per couple. View Menu.

Brother’s Grille Valentine’s Day Lovers’ Dinner Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, 5–9 p.m. 4 course meal $100 per couple. View Menu.

Pre Valentines

Montanga hosts a vinous salute to our last five presidents accompanied by dishes Inspired by the Presidents Inaugural Meals. February 13th 5pm $195  View Menu

Sundeck on Aspen Mountain Moonlight party.  Sat. Feb. 13th 5:30 to 9pm Live Music, Drinks, Dinner Specials.  Gondola $10,$5 for pass holders.

39 degrees hosts a party on Saturday Feb.13. $20 includes buffet & glass of bubbly. Aphrodisiac drink $6, DJ and dancing. Wake up Sunday with Bubbly & Breakfast $25 & $5 Mimosas.

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View All Snowmass Restaurants

View Eat Aspen Blog Home Page

Aspen Olympian send off at the Gondola today Monday Feb. 8th at 5pm.  Olympians in attendance will be Chris Klug, Casey Puckett, & Gretchen Bleiler.  Prep yourself with the $15 Burger and Pint Special  from 4 – 6:30 pm at Ajax Tavern.

Super Bowl Party XLIV Colts Vs. Saints.  What Aspen party should you join?  Well here is a quick overview.

A guaranteed unique experience would be at Woody Creek Community Center first annual Super Bowl Party.  The WC3 regular menu is available as well as some game day favorites like whole pizzas, chili, and deluxe nachos.  Quench your thirst with wine, beer, & Stranahan’s Whiskey while watching the game on an 8 foot screen.

Takah Sushi will have the game on flat screen t.v.s and offer 1/2 priced sake, 1/2 priced atomic shrimp & 1/2 priced Kobe sliders with $4 small Sapporos $8 large Sapporos. Bar opens at 4 food at 5:30

A little one sided but  definately showing spirit is New York Pizza offering of $2 slices to Saints fans all day Super Bowl Sunday!

Have a complementary schnapps just for showing up at the Wienerstube Superbowl Party with Fritz & Franz Bierhaus. Warsteiner Beer specials and Bar Menu.

Bentley’s is serving up $1.50 roast beef sandwiches plus other drink & appetizer specials around their 5 t.v.’s

Matsuhisa pulls in the Big Screen T.V. and serves $2 Bud & Bud Lights, $5 food selections as well as other sushi & sake specials. Lounge opens at 3:30.

The regular chaos can be found at the Hickory House serving $1.75 Coors Light Drafts  $2.75 New Belgium Drafts  $12 Rack of Ribs 35¢ Wings with the action on the Big Screen.

Bad Billy’s Specials include Chili cheese Fries, Bucket of Wings, Brats, Meatball Subs, Shrimp Creole, & Chicken Tacos.

The best grub deal may be at NorthWoods Lodge at Aspen Highlands who are offering an unlimited buffet! $19.95 adults $7.95 Kids. Wash it down with $2.50 drafts $5 Jager bombs

Other notorious viewing locals include the Double Dog Pub, Zanes.

As far as the game goes it’s a toss up for us, but don’t be afraid to use the lo, for you can see all the advertising action on Hulu.

Redstone Winterfest is an Ice climbing festival with free gear demos, clinics by Aspen Expeditions, ski and snowshoe races held in Redstone, Colorado February 5th, 6th, & 7th.  Mixed in with a bit of food, beer, and music.  Below we list the Food & Beverage Calendar for a full event list visit see Redstone Winter Festival Schedule.

Fri. Feb 5th
4pm Great Divide and Glenwood Canyon Brewery beer tasting at the Redstone Inn

Sat. Feb. 6th
9am Pancake – Plus breakfast at the Redstone Inn

11am Start Chili Cook-Off $10.00 per person

2pm Great Divide and Glenwood Canyon Brewery beer tasting at the Crystal Club

Being homespun ourselves we appreciate others that can start a fire simply by rubbing two sticks.

Aspenite Anton Uhl son of the legendary Mom behind Gretel’s on Aspen Mountain is involved in a wide range of projects but the ones we like the most are found on www.CookingWithAnton.com  with recipes and classic cooking videos like this one about how to make spiced wine.  Watch Video Now.

Another Aspenite Glenn Smith formerly of the Aspen Cooking School as been producing some videos of his own which you can find on his blog spot Quick Easy & Cheap

And of course we can’t leave out the EatAspen Production Team of Dean & Katrina.  Watch EatAspen Video’s Here.

Find your stimulus package with a cup o’ joe at the Dark Horse Alley espresso cart between 8am-9am for only 25 cents.  Drip coffee for a quarter through Jan. 2010. Make it complete  with a tasty pastry treat.

Free Soup!! Aspen’s Soupskol 2010 happens tonight Jan. 15  from 5:30-7:30 pm  Located on Hunter St. & Cooper St. in downtown Aspen. This event is free and open to the public.!

By far one of our favorite events, expect 20 plus tents serving a number of different soups. Every taster has a vote.  Vote honestly.  Rumors abound about stuffed ballot boxes… one restaurant has won the title 3 years running,  it could be the best soup or perhaps it’s just the ringing of the bell.  With the inclusion of Ute City Medicinals there may even be a hemp soup..

Watch Eat Aspen Original Short of WinterSkol Past.

“The 7th Annual Winterskol Soupskol is a soup-cooking contest judged by the public to determine what restaurant has the best soup in town and it gives the winner bragging rights for the next year! Last season, over 3,000 locals and tourists attended the event and every year it keeps growing in popularity.”

Organized by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association the Aspen restaurants entering SoupSkol 2010 are 39 degrees, Aspen Valley Hospital, Elks lodge, Bad Billys, Blue Sky Cafe, Brunelleschi’s, Clark’s Market, Conundrum Catering, European Caterers, Flame Catering & Aspen Brewing Company, Garnish Cafe,  Highlands Pizza Co. Inn at Aspen, Johnny McGuire’s, kenichi, Krabloonik, La Cantina, Merry Go Round, Noodles by Kenichi, Pacifica Seafood, Sam’s Smokehouse, Sage, St.Regis Restaurant, The Gant, Ute City Medicinals, Willow Creek Bistro, Victoria’s Espresso.

Join the Boys at the Brewery for New England Pearls in Aspen.  An Evening of Oysters, Cheese & Beer.  Sat. Jan. 16th 8pm-10:30pm and Sun. Jan. 17th 5pm-7:30pm $50 at the Aspen Brewing Company.

All during the 09/10 winter season Aspen Restaurant Pinons is offering 2 courses for $35 from the Bar Menu .

7pm January 16th 2010 Montagna Restaurant and Italian Wine merchants present an evening of food and wine celebrating the legendary wines of Tuscany’s Sassicaia and Argentina’s Bodega Charca. Hosted by proprietor Piero Incisa della Rochetta. Part of Montagna’s cellar tasting series. Produced & Uncorked by executive chef Ryan Hardy & master sommelier Jonathan Pullis & Sommelier Dustin Wilson.   $295 Call (970) 920-6330 for more details and reservations.

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Aspen’s newest coffee shop, the Dark Horse Alley, is holding it’s grand opening today Fri. Dec. 18th 2009 from 4p.m.-6p.m. Wendy will be offering food samplings from her menu of soups & sandwiches.  Beverage samples from the Drink menu which includes smoothies, coffee, espresso, & sweets.  The DarkHorse is located in the atrium of the Ute City Building corner of Hyman Ave. & Galena St. right across from the Elks building behind Burberry. Barista action in a beautiful building.

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Aspen Sushi restaurant Kenichi reopens tonight December 16th with a whole new look.

“The space has been reworked to add openness and create intimate seating areas including private rock star booths and Aspen’s only Tatami room-a private Japanese-style roomwith a sunken floor that seats up to 14.  The expanded sushii bar puts the fish and excitement surrounding the chef on focus.  the new lounge area is expanded with 45 total seats and, as alwaysk, is one of Aspen’s most popular and trendy scenes.

Kenichi offers the largest sake list in Colorado and is a recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  The new wine and cold sake display is made of 3-Form resin, a type of wavy frosted blue plexiglass that is environmentally friendly and made of all recycled material.  The piece, which resembles a modern fish tank, divides the dining and lounge areas.  Cold sake bottles are an art form on their own, therefore they are displayed above the bar with backlighting to simply showcase their form.  Adding to the decor, local glass blower David Powers created highly custom designed pendents hanging above the tables.”

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Chris Klug’s Party for Life tonight Friday Dec. 11 2009 is currently SOLD OUT but there will still be an opportunity to join the epic after party. This is to benefit the non-profit Summit for Life.

At 10 pm Pacifica Seafood and Raw Bar will transform into a late night party with DJ Naka G spinning tunes at “Party for Life”. While the music is pumping and the lights are flashing there will be snacks created by the talented team at Pacifica and FREE El Mayor Tequila®, PEARL Vodka®, Rebel Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey™, and Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream featured drinks. People that raise $500 or more for the race by Friday, December 11th will receive FREE admittance in to the after party.

10:00 pm Pacifica Seafood and Raw Bar 307 S. Mill Street, Aspen, CO
$50 per person minimum donation requested. $30 of your donation for “Party for Life” is tax-deductible.

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Chef Dena Marino opens Aspen’s newest Italian restaurant this evening Thursday Dec. 10 2009.  Highly anticipated new eatery Ellina will carry over some of the favorites from D19 and a feast of new favorites.

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Phat Thai cultivates some late nite victual energy with the debut of the late nite noodle lounge/

“In response to requests and comments from many of our friends and guests looking for something more laid back, on those other weekend nights throughout the month, we’re providing a laid back “late nite noodle lounge” with a playlist of chill music where you can hang out, eat good food until midnight, drink good drinks and carry on a civilized conversation with friends...Fridays and Saturdays until midnight: good noodles and good energy here.

Our expectations are high and possessed of an obsession for good and tasty food and drink. No pretension; lots of passion.”

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The ZG Grill at Aspen Highlands Ski area is looking for a new name. Email your Name suggestion here. If you’re local, the winning name gets free lunch for an entire year!!!!  The best suggestions will be submitted to a public vote Dec. 15 2009.   See details on their website.

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The Basalt Colorado Holiday Drink Contest runs until December 12 2009!  Visit these participating restaurants to try their signature holiday drink specially priced at $5 and vote for your top 3!  Ballots at participating restaurants and in the Aspen Times.  Bistecca Bistro Basalt, Blue Creek Grill, Cuvee World Bistro, Riverside Grill, Smoke Modern BBQ, Sushi Ya Go Go, Tempranillo Restaurant, and Zheng Asian Bistro.

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The slower than expected growth of the new Snowmass Base Village could be part of the reason for the failed restaurant nightclub concept of Junk and Liquid Sky.  Or…  it could have been a miss match from the very start..  The original idea of Liquid Sky with a combination of water and fire (outdoor showers and flaming torches), dance music, and a big old party really sounds pretty cool.  But the idea born of Vegas may work more in a mountain town the year it hosts the olympics than it would any year in Snowmass. Snowmass is generally a more family orientated distination to begin with and does lack such adult entertainments.  We agree that Snowmass needs to up its nightlife to compete with Aspen but it needs the right mix of ingredients.

The restaurant Junk may have worked.  Junk had a funky self service gourmet food deli case and an attitude toward fun. Our experience, however, left us wondering if that didn’t translate into confusion for the diner and aloufness on the part of the staff.  These 2 business had the connection to the new restaurant Junk at the Red Onion that Aspenites where led to believe would open Summer 2008 then Winter 08/09 then July 4th 2009.  Junk at the Red Onion died a quite death this past summer, which led you to believe that these two would be soon to follow and makes you wonder if there may be another on the way.  The real loser’s in this whole thing are the local contrators that provided construction services and are now out a combined $2 million.

As far as the Red Onion sitting empty for two plus years, it’s a great name, has great memories, but now only an empty shell.  When Wabs didn’t renew the rent on the Red Onion every Aspenite felt their heart sink a little because we knew that the new rent comanded would not allow a restautuer that would be able to keep the onion local and not some overpriced mismatched eatery.  There is the story of the late 70’s when a new owner of the Red Onion said they were gonna make the place repectable and keep the Local Riff Raff out, well that was a piss poor business strategy and it didn’t last long. The owners of the building should do the right thing and make sure the right restaurantuer with the right Aspen spirit/body/mind set, can make the place a comfortable community gathering place.  And maybe the folks that met at the Red Onion 50 years ago and celebrate their Annivesary there can do so once again and continue making good memories.  I know its busines…  but it’s also Aspen and from the begining of the cultural rebirth those with money have invested in the community to make it a better place.  Let’s do that with this cool historic place.

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It is the end of the line for ZG Grill at Aspen Highlands.  One of three restaurants that where given life by Matt Zubrod, a chef that had a long history with the Ritz. When he left the Ritz he spread his wings, perhaps streched a little two far in this case.  With various business partners he was instrumental in the creation of ZG Grill, Crust Pizza at Highlands, and Dish Aspen.  As head chef at Dish he was able to draw from his loyal following he had gathered while at the Willow Creek Bistro.  He came up with a creative menu and was serving some great food.  Crust offered some eventive pizza’s.  ZG Grill perhaps the best located eatery on the whole mountain, smack at the base of the exhibition lift complete with a great deck.  ZG debuted as a burger bar and served the purpose well enough.  Although his involvement with Crust and ZG grill lessened as time went on he remiand head chef at Dish until last spring and the eatery was sold this fall, it will become the new restaurant Ellina by Chef Dena Marino formerly of D19. Crust transferred to Highlands Pizza Company that has been hosting music and pouring Aspen Brewing Company Beer. ZG grill was the last of the 3 to close and the space is in now in the shuffle before the ski season.

We’ve never been truly happy with any of the establishments that have occupied the potentially best Apres Ski space in the World.  The Commonwealth pub didn’t offer beer/drink specials on St. Paddy’s day for paddy’s sake. Iguana’s, which, well, was another bland mexican restaurant. And the other incarnations it may have been have faded from memory which tells the full story.

The Closing Day party will be a blast no matter who runs the place at the base.  It’s the spirit of the mountain at work not any establishment and that is representative of the party vibe that flows across the slopes and spills beyond the deck.  Yes the establishment can make it better.  For starters don’t throw a psudeo closing day party when it’s truly not closing day. Like this past season when the Aspen Ski Company graciously extended the season for weekends only everything should have been extended, closing day included until it was in fact closing day.  The new owners of the restaurant at the base of Aspen Highlands are looking for ideas of a new name, thats great and perhaps we can help, but also look for ideas in what would make that place great and exist for more than two years.  Deals for SkiCo employess! Deals for season pass holders! Beer Specials on St. Paddy’s Day! Beer Bong Tourneys weekly. Apres Ski live music, at the very least Friday & Saturday.  Cater to the locals and the visitors will follow the vibe.  The new restaurant will be joining some other new eateries that have spring up at Highlands Base including PoP and Cloud 9 Brownie Cafe.

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If you are still undecided on what you will be doing this Thanksgiving of 2009 visit our list of Aspen Thanksgiving Dinners.

What started as whiff of old school Aspen funk in an alley has gotten a roof over it’s (her) head.  The Dark Horse Alley espresso cart is spending the winter in the Ute City Bank building Plaza.  A plus plus for both.  Warmth and shelter to encourage the seeds of entrepreneurial growth of a small locally based Aspen business and life for an under used indoor plaza in one of Aspen’s Historical landmark buildings.  Built in 1890 out of peachblow sandstone, the Cowenhoven Block, was the crowning symbol of the fortune Henry Cowenhoven made in Aspen in his path from merchant to mine owner.  You all may be familiar with his son-in-laws son, Darcy Brown, former president of the Aspen Skiing Company from 1950-1973.  Now we all have the luck to ad to someone else’s good fortune, take a stroll through the Ute City Bank building to gather some refreshment from one of the cutest baristas in Aspen.

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The Aspen Austrian Restaurant the Wienerstube is offering 2 for 1 wiener schnitzel till the end of November.