By Linda Hayes By Linda Hayes | November 14, 2023 | Food & Drink, Food & Drink Feature, Food & Drink,
Michelin Award-winning dish of Chef Barclay Dodge at BOSQ Aspen
From Michelin Stars to a swirling scene, you’ll fare well at these top tables around town.
BOSQ ASPEN
Recently awarded a Michelin Star in the inaugural “Michelin Guide to Colorado,” chef-owner Barclay Dodge’s eatery on the Mill Street Mall is a high point.
Where to sit: Snag a seat in the charming petite space or, in season, in the outdoor lounge.
What to eat: Seasonal dishes such as Colorado elk with stinging nettles, dark Oaxacan mole and mountain huckleberry are the epitome of Dodge’s “Alchemy of Flavor” concept. Four-, five- or seven-course tasting menus only. 312 S. Mill St., bosqaspen.com
ELEMENT 47
The five-star, Five Diamond Little Nell Hotel’s exquisite restaurant is a must-do on any Aspen itinerary.
Where to sit: See and be seen in the convivial bar, tuck into a banquette in the refined main dining room, or reserve one of several private dining rooms.
What to eat: Culinary director Matt Zubrod rules here. Highly seasonal menus, but The Little Nell wagyu and dryaged Rohan duck never fail. Pair it with wines from wine director Chris Dunaway’s Wine Spectator Grand Award list. 675 E. Durant Ave., thelittlenell.com
PARC ASPEN
This popular hot spot mixes a modern French farmhouse feel with an edgy vibe.
Where to sit: Tuck into a cozy banquette in the main “finer” dining room, at the 20-foot-long quartz-topped bar or in the lovely private dining room (check out the 1,000-bottle wine wall).
What to eat: Chef Mark Connell’s local, ingredient-forward dishes shine. Opt for creamy polenta with oyster mushrooms and a slow-poached farm egg for the table. Follow it with Colorado hybrid striped bass with lobster-mushroom nage. 620 E. Hyman Ave., parcaspen.com
CASA D’ANGELO
As a concept, Tutto su gli ingredientes (translation: “It’s all about the ingredients”) plays favorably with palates at Angelo Elia’s Tuscan-inspired eatery.
Where to sit: Window-side tables come with a side of Aspen Mountain views. A private dining room with a glass wine wall provides separation for exclusive private dining.
What to eat: Fusilli, ravioli, pappardelle, paccheri. Pasta rules here, preceded by Beluga or Osetra caviar and followed by roasted branzino or Colorado rack of lamb. 105 S. Mill St., casa-d-angelo.com
LAS MONTAÑAS
A colorful Mexican vibe and decor has put this high-profile restaurant by MML Hospitality on Aspen’s go-to dining list.
Where to sit: Depending on the season, score a table on the patio overlooking the town and Red Mountain, a seat at the bar or a booth in the colorful dining room.
What to eat: Gulf shrimp and coconut ceviche, Tex-Mex classics like chicken tomatillo enchiladas, sizzling fajitas with housemade tortillas and pork chops al pastor. Sip a frozen margarita and peruse what comes next from the lengthy tequila and wine lists. Mill Street Plaza, 205 S. Mill St., lasmontanasaspen.com
Photography by: PHOTO BY NIK HOUSE MEDIA