Fine Fare: A Dining Guide for the Roaring Fork Valley

Aspen

Parc Aspen (620 E Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO, parcaspen.com

Founders and Aspen locals Maryanne and Harley Sefton set out to create a perfect dining experience. With local employees and locally-sourced ingredients from Two Roots Farm, Parc Aspen is fully focused on creating a seamless Aspen experience. “Executive Chef Mark Connell and Wine & Beverage Director Greg Van Wagner offer three levels of dining and extensive wine list that covers the world over.” (parcaspen.com

Unravel Coffee (315 E Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO, unravel.coffee

A branch of the new hotel called Gravity Haus, Unravel Coffee presents a fresh take on fair trade. Their main mission is to encourage sustainable resourcing and consumption, capitalizing on “the uplifting buzz that comes with embracing a new collaborative coffee experience — one that embodies agriculture, technology, sustainable regiments and the human experience” (unravel.coffee). With delicious food options like a turkey avocado sandwich with lemon-dressed arugula and a charcuterie board, be sure to grab a snack with your coffee! 

Phatt Pho n Sushi (300 Puppy Smith St. #201, Aspen, CO, phattphonsushi.com)

Sushi lovers, indulge! Aspen’s newest Japanese joint located near Clark’s Market on Puppy Smith Street features each of the delicacies you love, without the astronomical pricing you don’t. With a mission to be the most reasonably-priced fare of its kind in town, Phatt Pho n Sushi caters to those who like to enjoy food in the restaurant, as well as those who prefer to feast at home. With options like a lemongrass bahn mi sandwich, a spicy ahi tuna roll, vietnamese coffee and options for vegan eaters, this spot appeals to all and is a sure-fire local favorite.

Madame Ushi (415 E Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO, madameushiaspen.com

One of the more experience-driven, extravagant restaurants in the Aspen community, Madame Ushi offers a full nightlife itinerary–and is not for the faint of heart. Start your evening with craft cocktails and crispy hash browns topped with yuzu crème fraiche and osetra caviar (pictured below), and finish with bottle service and dancing at Gala, the new nightclub located directly across from the restaurant. Whenever you choose to take full advantage of Aspen’s most high-profile spots, your wish is Madame Ushi’s command. 

Saint Ambroeus(520 E Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO, saintambroeus.com

A popular Milan-based ‘pasticceria and confetteria,’ Sant Ambroeus offers pastries, light bites and a fully stocked coffee menu. Their locations stem from New York City to Palm Beach to Italy, and the cult following they’ve developed over the years trails them to each location. Aspen is the newest location on the list, so be sure to stop by before the line curls around the block. 

Snowmass Village

Mawita (49 Wood Rd, Snowmass Village, CO, mawita.com)

You may have heard of Mawa’s Kitchen, located in the Aspen Airport Business Center. Owner and chef Mawa McQueen is a James Beard semifinalist nominee 2022 and the 2020 & 2022 Colorado Governor’s Minority business winner of the year, and this winter, she adds Mawita to her portfolio. With Latin inspiration to the menu and the ambience, the goal of this new South American restaurant is to provide a high level of service (and fun!) in an inviting atmosphere. As an added bonus, enjoy the beautiful view of Snowmass Village while you snack. 

Basalt

Free Range (22864 Two Rivers Rd, Basalt, CO, freerangebasalt.com)

Though this restaurant is no newcomer to the area, Free Range has relocated! Now planting roots on the opposite side of Highway 82, don’t mistake this joint for a barbecue-exclusive menu. With options like a colorful caesar salad, a hummus board, and smoked pork belly bao buns, this vast portfolio of food appeals to every eater.

Carbondale

Hominy Southern Kitchen (60 El Jebel Rd #108, Carbondale, CO, hominysouthernkitchen.com)

A new staple in the Carbondale community, Hominy Southern Kitchen’s chef and owner Jacob Burkhardt’s main focus is sourcing ingredients locally. This improves both the quality and overall flavor profile of each of the dishes he crafts. “The menu focuses on quality and seasonality of ingredients and is backed by the many great relationships with local farmers and growers that have been established” (hominysouthernkitchen.com). As we all know, the Roaring Fork Valley loves to support small businesses that keep their resources local, so be sure to stop by and try one of their delicious options. 

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