A look at some Aspen hotspots.
Downtown Aspen was buzzing this winter season! In addition to new storefronts and eateries, Aspen hosted spectacular winter events, including the 12 Days of Aspen and 19th Annual Aspen Academy Screenings during the holiday season, the 59th annual Wintersköl celebration, the ESPN Winter X Games and the second annual Aspen Fashion Week.
NEW RESTAURANTS & NIGHTLIFE
Grape Bar, in the heart of Hyatt Grand Aspen, boasts an impressive wine list, small plates, and a roaring fire. Open every day 3:00-11:00pm, Grape Bar is a favorite place for après-ski cocktails, nightcaps and in-house sommelier service.
The world-renowned Italian restaurant Il Mulino, New York opened a slopeside location in the new Residences at The Little Nell in October 2009, serving lunch, après ski and dinner. Known as one of New York’s landmark dining institutions, Zagat readers have rated Il Mulino, New York as the top New York City Italian restaurant for more than two decades. The Aspen outpost offers the same renowned cuisine and service in a more relaxed but elegant environment. (520 East Durant Ave.; 970.920.7272; www.ilmulino.com)
Syzygy opened in December 2009 in a new building on Aspen’s “restaurant row” with two levels of dining and nightlife. On the main floor, an approachable bistro-style restaurant dubbed Ute City offers indoor and outdoor dining with affordable menu items, live music, creative cocktails and infusions, and a vibrant atmosphere. The lower level houses Syzygy’s signature fine dining and boisterous nightlife in a contemporary space, complete with a private dining room, DJ booth and dedicated dance floor. (308 East Hopkins Ave.; www.syzygyrestaurant.com)
Argentina native Gonzales “Gonzo” Mirich opened Hunter Bar on Oct. 31, 2009 in the downstairs space on the corner of Galena Street and Cooper Avenue. With a casual yet stylish ambiance, Mirich serves a skier’s buffet breakfast followed by a tapas menu offered until 2 a.m. Nightlife, entertainment and creative cocktails are also featured. (434 East Cooper Ave.)Former D19 Executive Chef Dena Marino, recently featured on the Food Network's Iron Chef America, has opened a new restaurant called Ellina on Hyman Avenue. Ellina restaurant brings together old world values and new world vision. The rustic country menu also includes some favorite dishes from D19. (430 East Hyman Ave.)
Eddie Zane, owner of Zane’s Tavern with locations in Aspen and Snowmass, opened La Palapa, an authentic Mexican eatery above his Aspen tavern during summer 2009. With moderately priced menu items from south of the border, La Palapa has quickly become a locals’ favorite. (308 South Hunter St.; 970.544.8479)
Noted Aspen eatery, Gusto Ristorante, received a face lift from local designers Poss Architects and unveiled a new menu under the name Gisella. The restaurant reopened summer 2009 and offers dinner nightly in a romantic ambiance with cuisine derived from several regions of Italy. (415 East Main St.; 970.925.8222; www.gisellaaspen.com)
Explore Booksellers drastically revamped its restaurant during summer 2009 and dubbed the new space Escape Bistro. No longer serving strictly vegan cuisine, Escape offers a vegetarian menu with daily fish dishes and preserves its emphasis on healthful food for lunch and dinner. (221 East Main Street, 970.925.5338; www.explorebooksellers.com)
Club Chelsea transformed into The Mustang, a restaurant and nightlife venue offering Mexican fare and Rocky Mountain classics for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and drinks until closing. The Mustang is also outfitted with new flat-screen TVs, Karaoke and an expansive outdoor dining area on Hyman Ave. (415 East Hyman Ave.; 970.920.0066)
Cloud Nine Brownies owners Jim and Jill Pomeroy opened up shop in Aspen Highlands Village, giving a storefront to their famous chocolate indulgences. In addition to offering their complete selection of brownies, the Pomeroys are cooking up breakfast baked goods, lunch selections and serving coffee and tea. Visitors can watch brownies being made in the display kitchen, and the coffee shop is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. (Aspen Highlands Village; 1501 Boomerang Road, #5202; 970.925.7171; www.cloudninebrownies.com)
NEW BOUTIQUES
POP, opened in Aspen Highlands Village during summer 2009 by LIVASPENART owner Olivia Reische, is an eclectic shop with an oxygen bar, snack menu (including cupcakes, smoothies, popcorn, cotton candy, lollipops and more), and an ever-changing inventory of unique toys and art. (0133 Prospector Road, Suite 4114C, Aspen Highlands Village; 970.544.3827; www.popaspen.com)
Lacy Stuff Lingerie opened during summer 2009 and offers essential undergarments, hosiery, sleepwear and accessories from brands including Eberjey, Marie Jo, Wacoal and Spanx. (405 South Hunter St.; 970.925.7729)
Kalis Denim opened in the new Fat City Plaza on Cooper Avenue and features unique women’s denim, apparel and accessories. (522 E. Cooper; 970.309.1024)
Popular diner/boutique Boogies has opened a new children's clothing store across the stree from their Cooper Avenue hub. Boogies Too carries a variety of fun, hip clothing for little rock stars. (534 E. Cooper Ave; 970.925.6111)