Delicious. By design, that’s how dining at any or all of the three Aspen restaurants below will make you feel. Food’s tasty, too. Word of advice? Go hungry!
by Linda Hayes
Bosq
Lobster grilled over juniper branches. Harissa lamb tartare. Japanese wagyu ribeye. Peking duck. From the moment chef Barclay Dodge’s inspired, intensely flavorful dishes are presented at the table, it’s clear that there’s more to them than meets the eye.
Sure, each dish is the result of the chef’s seemingly endless creative ways with meticulously, often locally sourced, ingredients. But pay a little attention to what each is served on, and you’ll notice something equally unique – handcrafted ceramic plates and bowls specially designed by local studio potter Alleghany Meadows with an eye to the food that will be served on or in them. While you’re marveling, sip a “Mountain” cocktail (gin, black currant, clove) or a 2018 Matthiasson “Village” Cabernet Sauvignon from the thoughtfully curated list.
Rounding the experience out this summer, dining at Bosq has expanded outside the restaurant (named after and designed as a modern interpretation of a Spanish forest, or “bosq”) to an inviting patio and lounge overlooking the bustling Mill Street Mall. Book early and often. 970-710-7299, bosqapen.com
Element 47 at The Little Nell
Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Aprés. No matter when you dine at this elegant restaurant in The Little Nell hotel, it’s sure to be an exceptional experience.
First it’s the setting. Aspen Modern by design, thanks to the efforts of Bentel & Bentel Architects, the restaurant features natural elements, such as stone, wood and leather, all softened by luxe fabrics and wall coverings. Large-scale artwork is specially curated, there’s a sleek glass wine wall to peruse and tables look out onto a patio in a lush garden setting (check out landscape designer Arabella Beaver’s Living Flower Wall by the pool).
And the food? Culinary Director Matt Zubrod and his talented team have it covered. Consider duck chilaquiles or lemon soufflé pancakes for breakfast, shiitake burgers or a salmon poke bowl for lunch, and perhaps kampachi crudo and rabbit tortellini for dinner. Pair your choices with a wine from the Wine Spectator Award-winning list. Should you decide to stay the night, room service is a delight. 970-920-6331, thelittlenell.com
The White House Tavern
On the high-profile corner of Hopkins and Monarch, “White House,” as it’s known locally, is hard to miss. For one thing, it’s set in the delightful and historic 1883 A.F. Sheppard House, which was once a miner’s cabin and has since been restored and “rehabilitated” to its present wonderfulness. Outdoor tables on the brick patio are always full and set the overall convivial tone.
Inside, settle into the easy-going setting designed by local architect and interior design firm Rowland+Broughton. Reclaimed wood floors and wood paneled walls accent the banquette-style seating and there’s a curvy corner bar at the entry to hobnob at if you have to wait for a seat.
Depending on how hungry you are, nibble on farm-fresh deviled eggs, or house-smoked salmon. Or go for the locals-favorite crispy chicken sandwich, French dip au jus or the “Macho” rotisserie chicken salad. To go with, sip a signature Corazon Silver tequila margarita, or pick a wine from the short but interesting list (the Flowers Rosé is especially nice). 970-925-1007, aspenwhitehouse.com
