New restaurants invigorate the ever-changing Aspen dining scene.
Mawa McQueen, chef and owner of Mawita’s
PARC
At PARC Aspen, as the seasons change, so do the menus. And with a separate bar, dining room, brunch and drink menu, plenty is new to try. Some local favorite menu items will stay as the temperature warms, but will be amended to fit Colorado’s seasonal produce options. The new fresh fare can now be enjoyed outside on the patio, but the unique indoor dining spaces remain. There’s the intimate 620 room which is great for private dining experiences and wine enthusiasts. Or eat like a local in the atmospheric finer dining room or bar. This new eatery has something for everyone’s needs and is a summer must! 620 E. Hyman Ave., 970.710.7488, parcaspen.com
cocktail from Mawita’s.
Mawita
Introduce your tastebuds to new, unique flavors at the Snowmass Village eatery Mawita. Here, Chef Mawa McQueen–a James Beard semifinalist nominee–emphasizes Latin flavors with an African twist. Start your meal with one (or all) of the three varieties of guacamole, then munch on the Jerk Chicken Tacos or the one-of-a-kind Bison Lard Tacos. The summertime menu draws the tastes of Spanish tapas and Peruvian cuisine to transport guests to a tropical environment while still giving the Colorado peaks. Along with the new menu items, McQueen plans to host cooking classes where guests can perfect the art of making salsas, guacamole and tortillas. 49 Wood Rd., 970.592.8676, mawita.com
black forest cake from PARC
Madame Ushi
Madame Ushi creates much more than a typical dining experience. With a 3D mural and a Japanese-inspired interior, the restaurant provides a serene setting. The food is unmatched–try the freshest seafood, like the Yellowtail Curdo and Salmon Flight, or enjoy the Eggs Benedict. The menu even features a sushi roll collaboration with Chrome Hearts; the roll is stacked with truffle, gold and caviar. Connected to the restaurant is the nightclub, Gala. The club showcases some of the best DJs and pulls out every stop for a night out. Start the night with a delectable meal and finish it off dancing! 415 E. Hymnan Ave., 970.516.7908, madameushiaspen.com
guacamole from Mawita’s
Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar Aspen
Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar Aspen will transport you to the local cafes of Milan, Italy. Here, time slows down and the small joys are savored. Sant Ambroeus, which has several iconic locations in New York City, will debut out west with the same warm reception it is known for. Enjoy downtime here with a coffee, pastries or cocktails among an interior inspired by the juxtaposing elements of Aspen. 520 E. Hyman Ave. santambroeus.com
vibrant interiors of Madame
La Raza
The people, community: words that the colloquial term ‘la raza’ can be defined as. The new Carbondale Mexican restaurant, La Raza, is making a mission of creating a comfortable home base for the community. Mixing Oaxacan and Guadalajaran flavors to create authentic plates, everything starts with fresh Mexican ingredients. The restaurant–brought to the valley by the minds behind local favorites Mi Chola and Red Onion–aims to create a space where you never feel alone. 580 Main St., Carbondale., laRazaCarbondale.com
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRAND; MADAME USHI PHOTO BY STEPHEN VAUGHN / WWW.BLACKPALMMEDIA.COM; PARC PHOTO BY NIK HOUSE MEDIA
