Three new dining options, including a vegan meal-delivery service, will have gourmands buzzing during the chilly days ahead.
Omakase arrives in Aspen via Sushi Nakazawa.
SUSHI NAKAZAWA
Ryan Chadwick, the owner of the much-loved Mr. Gray, has been a Nakazawa fan for ages. Frequenting the legendary brand’s New York City location for omakase, he knew this sushi institution needed to come to Aspen. The idea was conceptualized—then Chadwick had to convince the Nakazawa team to head out to the Rocky Mountains and open up shop. With a few messages out to chef Daisuke Nakazawa, a meeting was made, the relationship was established, and Sushi Nakazawa Aspen was born. “I’ve been wanting to bring omakase to Aspen for years, and a partnership with Nakazawa was the perfect opportunity,” says Chadwick. Swoonworthy menu highlights include wagyu katsu sando, uni box, yellowtail crudo and crispy rice. 305 S. Mill St., 970.925.1797, nakazawaaspen.com
Firefly offers a wide range of gourmet bites Thursday through Sunday nights
FIREFLY
From Thursday to Sunday night, count on great live music to accompany exceptional food. The newly opened Firefly is an elegant music venue with exquisite contemporary cuisine housed in the downtown Local Coffee House and Here House space. Owner Candice Olson has created a remarkable environment for locals and visitors alike. What sets Firefly apart is Olson’s carefully assembled team of experts in the food and beverage space; she also reeled in the general manager of local favorite Clark’s Oyster Bar. Menu highlights include leg of lamb, pork belly, mussels, cauliflower steak and a great range of light food. 614 E. Cooper Ave., 970.710.7855, fireflyaspen.com
Paxton Darin, founder of Peace Town
PEACE TOWN
This newly launched vegan meal-delivery service is the brainchild of Paxton Darin, who took her cue from the pandemic and the difficulty finding healthful options. Darin, who grew up in the restaurant industry watching her mother own and run a cafe, says her venture is about community, connection and delivering amazing food to those living in Aspen. “When it came to meal delivery, it was important to me that the food be vegan,” she says. “I believe eating a veggie-heavy diet is one of the best ways to promote health in your body.” Food can be prepped for any occasion, including backcountry skiing and hiking. Patrons register for the service via Peace Town’s website, where they can order dishes like enchiladas stuffed with black beans, corn, peppers, garlic, onion, Brussels sprouts and salsa matcha—topped with vegan cheese and green roasted chile sauce. Another earlier favorite: handrolled butternut squash tortellini—filled with roasted butternut squash and cashew cheese—served with a mushroom sage sauce. peacetown.co
Photography by: Sushi Nakazawa; The Brands
