Rocky Mountain Adventure, Dining in Aspen

Aspen: Dining | Activities

Photos & story by: Denise Morrison

  ASPEN, COLORADO— Exiting the hotel we stroll down Galena Street, across East Durant Avenue through the evening sunshine passing designer boutiques and bon vivants sunning themselves in alfresco lounges — a veritable hides meet haute couture.

Undecided where to dine, we opt for a meal at the French restaurant, Rustique Bistro. Probably a good choice, as I notice celebrity chef, Mario Batali, seated at the next table. Our waiter, who turns out to be from France, tells of his bi-continental lifestyle designed to satisfy his passion for snow sports. We indulge in truffle fries, mussels and braised short ribs on the outdoor patio as nightfall sets in.

And that's just the beginning of several days of imbibing, for the annual Food & Wine Classic is about to begin. In the center of town a large tent (85,000 sq ft!) has been set up in Wagner Park. And nearby luxury hotels, such as the Limelight Lodge host more than 80 seminars, drawing about 5,000 food and wine professionals and aficionados.

Indeed, Batali later gives a presentation on regional Italian cooking. I attend this, and the three-stared Michelin chef, Thomas Keller's demonstration, "World's Best Preserves" tasting. Later, Jacques Pepin, the prolific cookbook author, hosts a popular caviar tasting (just couldn't resist!)

Having visited Masaharu Morimoto's eponymous restaurant in Manhattan the previous year, I stop by the "Iron Chef" star's demo on Japanese knife techniques. Friday afternoon arrives and the crowd is amped up for the first public Grand Tasting. Stunning wines are on offer from foremost wine regions including premium Willamette Valley and Pinot Noirs from Oregon's Domaine Serene – a rare treat.

The festivities continue into the night… At the venerable nightspot, Belly Up Aspen, the crowd is rocking out to ‘80s cover band, the Spazmatics. Aspen Magazine puts on an industry event at the Hyatt hosting Somerston Wine Co of Napa. But a more exclusive Cognac tasting beckons at a favorite spot, the five-star hotel The Little Nell.

Having just undergone an $18-million facelift to its LEED-certified buildings, the eco-conscious resort near the base of the Silver Queen Gondola, features patio dining and romantic fireplaces. It seems everywhere I turn I am faced with more fun invites than I can count. The Food & Wine Classic turned 30 in 2012; no wonder it has become the pre-eminent foodie and oenophile gathering in the nation.

After several days of feasting and imbibing it's fortunate the region offers an abundance of calorie-burning activities.