An up to date look at some Aspen hotspots:
ASPEN'S NEW DINING AND NIGHTLIFE- Get ready for some laughs at Aspen’s newest nightlife hot spot, the Aspen Comedy Club. Celebrity comics, such as Greg Proops from “Whose Line is it Anyway?” and Craig Robinson from “The Office,” are scheduled to appear this summer. Guests can enjoy both national and local comedians Tuesday through Saturday nights, as well as a complete menu of appetizers, dinner selections and full bar. (520 East Cooper Avenue; 970.920.7754)
- Opened by owners of the Wild Fig, LuLu Wilson is named after a woman who once lived in the historic Victorian the restaurant is housed in. New chef Shane Coffey, formerly of Alias Restaurant in New York, proffers sophisticated cuisine that pairs perfectly with the stylish, New Aspen décor. (On Restaurant Row. 316 East Hopkins Ave; 970.920.1893)
- The Last Stand is located directly below the longtime Aspen watering hole, Cooper Street Pier. The former restaurant space was recently remodeled into a happening nightclub, where locals and visitors can enjoy live music and local DJs in a casual atmosphere. (508 E. Cooper Avenue; 970.925.7758)
- The Grateful Deli opened this summer offering a new lunchtime quick stop with fresh and healthy sandwiches, salads, paninis and sides. (233 East Main Street; 970.925.1046)
- Kiddie Cookers. Aspiring chefs age 13 and younger should head to culinary connoisseur Shael Berni’s new cooking school, which specializes in organic cuisine and nutritional cooking. A variety of cooking programs include after-school classes, mother-daughter classes, father-son classes, birthday parties and private cooking lessons. (Shael Berni; 970-544-0264 or shaelberni@gmail.com)
- Aspen’s newest restaurant & lounge, Social, will open this winter on Restaurant Row. Tommy Tolleson, owner of the popular Elevation Restaurant next door, is designing his newest endeavor with sleek modern furnishings and accents that will compliment a chic new menu of global tapas and small plates meant for sharing. The intimate restaurant (reservations are recommended) will be set downstairs, while the upstairs space will feature a wine bar and late night lounge. Food will be served on both levels. (304 E. Hopkins Avenue; 970.925.9700)
- The Aspen Brewery. This full production microbrewery will soon by serving up frosty mugs to thirsty patrons. Duncan Clauss, a home brewer who has frequented Aspen for 15 years, will open the brewery and tasting room with partners Brad Veltman and Rory Douthit this winter. (557 North Mill Street; 970.274.9998)
- Fly Lounge. The owners of the swank Fly Lounge in Washington DC are renovating the former Lava Lounge space on the Hyman Avenue pedestrian mall to depict an upscale version of an airplane lounge. New décor and red-hot bar staff will make this the ‘it’ spot for winter nightlife.
- Taster's Pizza to open in Aspen. Snowmass' famed Taster's Pizza is opening an Aspen location in March 2008, across from Rio Grande Park in the old Grill Next Door space.
AROUND TOWN SHOPPING
Rodeo Drive and Madison Avenue have nothing on Aspen with its fabulous boutiques. Already a favorite of fashionistas, with stores like Nuages, Distractions, Bloomingbirds, and Pitkin Country Dry Goods, these newly opened shops should be added to your must-hit shopping list:
- The Little Bird. Opened by local Keele Lloyd in summer 2007, The Little Bird is a high-end, vintage boutique featuring both luxury consignment and original designs, including women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and more. Lloyd also custom designs vintage belts and carries Angela Horton Cashmere designs as well. (205 S. Mill St. Suite 221A; 970.920.3830)
- Theory opened its newest signature store in Aspen last spring. Fans of the clothing line favor its clean, modern designs and luxe fabrics. (219 South Galena Street; 970.544.0079)
- Ermenegildo Zegna, an Italian brand of luxury men’s clothing, opened its doors last spring offering everything from suiting to fashionable outerwear. (211 South Galena Street; 970.544.4989)
- Cream, a boutique opened by the owners of popular PE 101, features ultra feminine, high-end ladies apparel that’s perfect for special occasions in and around town. (303 South Galena Street; 970.925.6888)
- Tomorrow’s Laundry is another new creation by Boogie Weinglass, owner of the famous Boogie’s and three other stores in town. TL carries unique, fashionable duds for men and women. (303 South Galena Street; 970.925.6888)
- NEW LOCATION: The Gallerie is a men and women’s fashion haven featuring up and coming luxe lines such as Ports 1961, Lela Rose, and Hammitt handbags. They will move into their new location at 520 East Durant Avenue near the gondola this winter.
- J. Crew. This nationally known retailer is opening a new concept store called “J. Crew In The Mountains” to cater to the Aspen crowd. The idea models the success of the brand’s first concept store, “J. Crew at the Beach,” located in the Hamptons. The opening is slated for summer 2008 at 205 S. Mill St.
- Burberry. London based, this 150-year luxury outfitter has shops throughout the world and is known internationally for its cutting edge meets classic fashion niche. Burberry plans to open as early as winter 2008 in the historic Ute City Bank Building at the corner of Galena Street and Hyman Avenue.