Spring Eating Fling
Warmer weather and longer days mean the patio is open for business.
-by Alison Berkley Margo
Last weekend my husband Ryan and I blew off skiing and went road biking in Basalt instead. For our first ride of the season, we pedaled our still-tender and not bike seat broken-in bottoms to Reudi Reservoir. It’s an easy climb and a big reward of river-meandering and red rock spire views without a lot of effort. After that ride, we always look forward to a beer and a snack on the patio at Riverside Grill in downtown Basalt where the sun-soaked patio and bubbling river are so good you can taste it in the food. The chicken brie quesadillas with mango salsa are the perfect springtime afternoon snack. And por moi, the ever health conscious high-maintenance Princess (of course I am still drinking beer) the roasted beet salad with salmon (grilled to perfection) was just the ticket and left me nothing to complain about. They serve the dressing on the side even if you forget to ask them to.
A few days later while out stalking celebrities for my new gig with a tabloid mag, I found myself “working” on the patio at Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain, where truffle oil wafts in the breeze like arms reaching out to embrace you in a big hug. This après hot spot is just that—bar food with a little luxurious Aspen flair. The truffle fries are really all a girl needs, but the oysters are good too and the perfect cold food treat. I’m no sommelier, but I do know my beer, and nothing goes better with a chuggable lager than a few of the ocean’s salty little creatures sliding down your throat.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to get a table, my favorite patio in Aspen is the one at Jimmy’s, the place to see and be seen. I can’t even begin to tell you the columns that have been written based solely on what I’ve seen on the streets below while sipping some exotic tequila from the staff’s latest tasting trip to Mexico. My all-time favorite dish anywhere in Aspen is Jimmy’s crab cake—the thick, fresh crab meat is chunky, not minced and tossed with a very light dressing that allows the flavor of the fish (not the oil) to come through. It’s only lightly breaded and not deep-fried and the duo of dipping sauces (a red cocktail sauce and a pink aioli) are best mixed together and delectable enough for bread-dipping should you have any leftover. Better yet, Jimmy exemplifies what an Aspen Restaurateur should be: he’s there every night, he works wherever he is needed whether it’s behind the bar or clearing a table, treats his staff well and greets all of his guests whether you’re a VIP or a local. Nothing makes you feel more special than being greeted by his deep, throat-rattling voice, even if you’re not sure if he actually knows who you are.
The Woody Creek Tavern
The waitresses at the Tavern are so dialed and pro, it’s kind of scary. That’s why my only complaint would be that sometimes they bring out the food a little too fast. The Woody Creek Tavern is a place where you want to linger, and nothing is better than a lazy afternoon on their charming tree-light strewn patio with a late lunch that runs into dinner. The place reeks of old Aspen, of the wild, reckless liberal days when Hunter S. was a regular and being in an altered state was the norm. I love the tucked-away mountain cabin feel. The menu, while simple bar food, boasts high-quality local ingredients. Beware though of Aspen prices and “would you like some guac to start?” trick because that little free-at-Mexican joints app is actually eight bucks). At the end of the day, good food is just that good food – even the simplest dishes can be made special when the ingredients are fresh and locally produced. WCT tries to use organic produce and meats from local ranches. Chicken enchiladas are the go-to staple, but if you’re in a sun-soaking beer swilling kind of mood there’s nothing better than a fried onion ring dipped in ranch dressing to fit the bill. Didn’t I already tell you, my mantra is detox to retox?
One of the best spring afternoons I’ve had was spent riding our cruiser bikes down to Carbondale on the Rio Grande bike path. After stopping at WCT, we made our way north, coasting all the way down to 6,000 feet. If you’re an up valley snob, you’re missing out on some good eatin’ north of the roundabout. And guess what else: it’s spring a lot earlier in Car-bon-do-lay than it is up on A-Town. Sometimes that’s the perfect excuse for a little springtime field trip down to the high desert for a little afternoon drinking and eating. Nowhere is that better enjoyed than on the ample patio at Hestia where the old brick buildings that surround the courtyard evoke an otherworldly vibe. Hestia is sophisticated food served in a laid-back setting (They call it “contemporary rustic,” but whatever. Same difference) with a menu selection that offers a range as wide as the ranch land surrounding Carbondale—from burgers and gyros with the best-ever sweet potato fries to mussels in yellow curry sauce. The menu has a distinct Mediterranean bent (think gyros, and items with a lot of k’s in it) with a handful of go-to American favorites. And if you thought down valley dining wasn’t cool enough for you, you’re right—afternoons on the patio at Hestia are hot-hot-hot.
What’s your favorite patio dining in the valley? Don’t be shy. Tell us!
-Ali Berkley Margo
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