Whitewaller Aspen 2018 is taking you to Colorado for the Aspen Art Museum‘s annual ArtCrush event, highlighting where to go to eat and drink at, see art, and relax. Below, we’re sharing a list of the top bars and restaurants to visit while in town.
element 47 at The Little Nell
Courtesy of Element 47.
The Little Nell’s restaurant, element 47, is the only Forbes five-star restaurant in Aspen. Named after the periodic table item for silver as a nod to the city’s silver-mining history, the restaurant is a favorite for Colorodans. Elevated American cuisine is crafted with seasonal ingredients by Chef Matt Zubrod, and sleek design creates a memorable dining experience by Bentel & Bentel. The restaurant is also known for its reputable wine list, directed by master sommeliers, its new private cellar dinners, and The Little Nell Wine Club.
Whitewaller recommends: Reserving a table for the Guest Chef Dinner Series.
Courtesy of The Wild Fig.
Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell
Located next to the Silver Queen Gondola and at the base of the Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern, also at The Little Nell, brings visitors casual fine dining with an array of events—like Ajax Wine Dinners on Saturday—happening throughout the season. Regulars recommend the truffle fries and the double cheeseburger.
Courtesy of Kenichi.
Whitewaller recommends: Attending the 3rd Annual Apsen BBQ Cook-Off, benefiting ETHiC (Emergency Transitional Housing in Community, a project of the Aspen Homeless Shelter), on August 16.
Acquolina
Courtesy of Acquolina.
From the dishes to the environment, Acquolina welcomes guests to a traditional Italian experience. The all-Italian wine list complements the establishment’s savory pizza, marking Aspen with a classic trattoria and pizzeria vibe.
Whitewaller recommends: Ordering the orecchiette pasta.
Photo by Derek Skalko, courtesy of The Monarch.
Kenichi
Since 1991, Kenichi has been drawing diners in with its delectable dishes by Sushi Chef Kiyomi Sano, hip atmosphere, and specialty Japanese fish. With a 17-seat sushi bar and a private dining tatami room for four, the restaurant also shines with 14 “Rock Star Booths,” where, inevitably, the stars end up indulging.
Photo by Jamie Jaye Fletcher, courtesy of Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell.
Whitewaller recommends: Ordering a Hot Rock specialty with the Tanuki Magic Daigingo sake.
The Wild Fig
Courtesy of Element 47.
The charm of a European brasserie is exuded at The Wild Fig—an establishment by CP Restaurant Group that’s dedicated to Mediterranean cuisine from Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Its dinner and cocktail menus are full of inventive dishes and drinks, encouraged to be savored at a table with friends.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying the fig and honey glazed duck breast dish.
Courtesy of Kenichi.
The Monarch
Also from CP Restaurant Group is The Monarch—a classic steakhouse with an extensive wine list. Its dinner menu (featuring starters, seafood, prime meats, and a section for sauces and toppings) joins its bar menu (of cocktails, beer, wine, appetizers, salads, soups, and more) for delectable options galore.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying the Siberian Ostera caviar.
