Ski Season Culinary Guide to Vail
By WKNDER
When we think about culinary trends in the United States, the foodie meccas of San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are destinations that typically make the roster. Recent years, however, have given rise to a number of exciting food destinations, one of which is the perennially tony ski town of Vail, Colorado. While the posh winter playground has long attracted ski buffs, Vail has recently begun to lure discerning foodies to its slopes by reinventing a few culinary classics and delivering a dose of international flair to the mountain hamlet. We topped our list with 3 sensational standouts that are sure to impress even the most progressive of palates this winter.
With locations in Beverly Hills, Aspen, Mykonos and Athens, Nobu Matsuhisa’s Vail outpost brings an unmistakable air of international flair to the all-American mountain ski village. Complete with soaring ceilings, expansive windows, a stone fireplace and outdoor fire pits, Matsuhisa Vail is a spectacular setting for taking in the panoramic views of Vail Mountain while feasting on world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature style of Japanese and Peruvian fusion. Influenced by his traditional training in Tokyo and culinary work in South America, Chef Nobu’s creations are defined by a juxtaposition of flavors and ingredients from both continents. At Matsuhisa Vail the “Nobu Style” is best experienced through several menu favorites, including the Yellowtail with Jalapeño (pictured), grilled Colorado Lamb and Tiradito-Style Sashimi, and of course Matsuhisa’s famous miso-marinated broiled Black Cod (pictured). Sushi connoisseurs will appreciate the restaurant’s expansive white oak sushi bar where diners can choose from a wide-range of classic nigiri, sushi, and unique starters including, Tuna Tataki, Toro Tartar, and oysters with a selection of Nobu salsas.
Ask a savvy local to name their favorite restaurant and town, and there is a very good chance that you will be enthusiastically pointed in the direction of Mountain Standard. Located on the banks of Gore Creek, this centrally located bistro is a Vail social hub and a great place to experience some local flavor. Floor to ceiling windows and a glass-enclosed kitchen make Mountain Standard a casual yet elevated alternative to some of Vail’s more traditional aprés-ski options. If a long day on-piste necessitates a bit of aprés comfort, Mountain Standard has you covered. The signature dishes are inventive yet approachable, with locally sourced ingredients served up in innovative ways. With an ever-expanding menu that skews toward the heartier side, Mountain Standard boasts an impressive offering of protein-based dishes that include local lamb and fish and premium grass-fed steaks. Not to be dismissed, Mountain Standard’s side dishes and appetizers are particularly memorable, including a Southern Pimento Cheese with bacon cider jam that earns its place among the menu’s best options. The Corned Pork Shank with gruyere potato puree, served with cabbage, green apple and a caraway vinaigrette is not to be missed. A close second is the Rocky Mountain Trout with cauliflower, honey poached cranberries, and spiced almonds with a brown butter vinaigrette.
Another one of Vail’s best restaurants is longtime local favorite, Sweet Basil. Located in the heart of Vail Village, Sweet Basil’s dining room overlooks Gore Creek and is the perfect place to take in the sunset or keep cozy on a snowy evening. Originally opened in 1977, this white-tablecloth eatery is a casual Vail institution that has earned its loyal following by always keeping things interesting with an experimental menu that changes monthly and is comprised of bold flavors that make the most of seasonal ingredients. Winter dishes such as Loch Duart Salmon (pictured) with sweet & sour beets, red wine cabbage puree, pistachio gremolata and pomegranate are offered alongside Duck a la Plancha with sweet potato puree, roasted carrots, date agrodolce, chipotle rice cracker (pictured). Vegetarians will savor the Root Vegetable Bolognese with whipped parmesan, preserved tomato, sweet basil and Pappardelle, a particularly comforting cold-weather favorite. Wine lovers will immediately notice the expansive glass-walled cellar where hundreds of Sweet Basil’s best wines are prominently displayed. The restaurant’s expert pairings are a must and a fantastic way to experience the unexpected flavor combinations of Chefs Paul Anders and Martin Woods.
Below is a comprehensive list of our honorable mentions for Vail brunch, lunch, dinner and aprés ski options
APRÉS SKI
Frost / Classy bar with stylish decor offering craft cocktails and light far at The Sebastian Hotel
The Remedy Bar / Hotspot for imbibing and indulging in alpine fair in a mountain-chic setting at The Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail. Be sure to order the signature Haute Chocolate (pictured). A luxurious hot chocolate made with Swiss chocolate, artisanal marshmallow and chantilly cream
BRUNCH
Vintage / Charming French brasserie serving classic fare in addition to cocktails, beer and wine. The Huckleberry Bacon French Toast (pictured) is a brunch-must. Think: mascarpone & dulce de leche stuffed brioche, huckleberry syrup, bourbon whipped cream and a side of bacon
Westside Cafe & Market / Cozy restaurant serving comfort food in a casual dining setting
LUNCH
Almresi Restaurant / Rustic mountain cottage-style restaurant offering festive German, Austrian and Swiss fare
DINNER
Almresi Restaurant / See above
Swiss Chalet / Upscale eatery for fondue and signature Swiss cuisine at the Sonnenalp Hotel
Tavern On The Square / Chic, contemporary restaurant serving New American fare located at The Arrabelle At Square Village
Annapuma / Casual Indian eatery serving curries, meat dishes and vegetarian food
