Snowmass Slated for Another Culinary Crescendo

Serving Up a Summertime Salad in Snowmass

I love our mountain towns, especially in the summer when the village squares open themselves to all sorts of food and wine and art and music festivals. I kicked off the summer early June at the Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest and was dazzled by the number of foodies and chili aficionados I met at that event. Boy, there’s some serious competition going on among those cookoff chefs, many of whom travel the country to serve up their prized dishes to fans like me. I’ll be reporting on that in more detail next spring in time for next year’s Chili Fest.

Snowmass is going off again this weekend with even more delectable eats and libations and most likely a more high-stepping crowd (especially now that all the second homeowners are in residence). The village of Aspen’s neighboring town provides an ideal setting for the Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival that’s taking place Friday, July 22 through Saturday, July 23. Be sure to arrive by Thursday night in order to take in the free evening concert on Fanny Hill, a perfect outdoor venue created by the slope of the mountain on one of Snowmass’s renowned cruiser runs. Otis Taylor, an American blues musician legend, is playing at this year’s concert, so you’ll not want to miss it.

Richard Sandoval

Inside Venga Venga

Venga Venga’s Deck: A Must

Chef Richard Sandoval will certainly be garnering great attention not only for his national fame but also for his local ties. Internationally recognized as “the father of modern Mexican cuisine,” Sandoval owns and operates more than twenty restaurants worldwide including Venga Venga, an ultra-happening dining establishment situated on the prime corner of the Snowmass Village Mall. Weather-permitting, I’d opt for a table on their wraparound deck, a spectacular outdoor stage of sorts that affords terrific views of the ski hill. Inside you can sink into a hip, hacienda-inspired decor that encourages lots of hanging out whether at the tables or at the bar. Either way, as Richard would say, come come to Venga Venga to drink tequila and savor good food with friends and family.

Other celebrity chefs and a host of wine, spirits and food experts will be participating in this event, surely the highlight of the summer season in Snowmass. Artists showcasing ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more along with food, wine and spirits vendors will also be featuring their goods. This exhibition part of the festival is free and open to the public. (I’m sure you can count on some tasty food and drink samples here, too!)

If you’re into a lively, animated scene, this is a good time to hit Snowmass Village. If you’re looking for something with more of a local feel, I suggest Big Hoss Grill. I enjoyed a delicious and delightful breakfast here when I was at Snowmass in June. I love their outdoor deck which provides a perfect vantage point for surveying the activities below. I’m sure it’s a fun spot in the evening as well.

Big Hoss Grill at Dusk

If you’re like me, after more than twenty-four hours at a festival you need to retreat to a quieter place, either for a hike or perhaps a romantic meal with your sweetie. As a superior dining option, I recommend 8K, the signature restaurant of Viceroy Snowmass, the best lodging choice of the area. It’s smooth, sophisticated and serene. I love the timeless design here as well as the use of lots of natural materials. (Read my story about this green hotel at Sleek and Sustainable:  Two Stellar Colorado Properties.) Their menu reflects a thoughtful approach to living as well:  many of the foods are locally sourced and prepared with a discerning palate in mind. Yes, this is where you must go to remove yourself from “the scene.” The views here are splendid inside and out and it’s equally as enticing by day as by night. (In case you’re wondering 8K stands for the elevation:  8,000 feet.) The 8K bar is one of the longest in Colorado, so sidle up to it and enjoy a quiet moment with a friend or by yourself. In any event, I’m sure the most discriminating foodies will be staying here this weekend, too.

8K at The Viceroy Snowmass: So-oooo Smooth 

The 8K Bar: The Nec Plus Ultra of Pitkin Country

Venga Venga, Snowmass Village, 970-923-7777; open Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday & Sautrday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Big Hoss Grill, in the heart of Village Square Mall, 970-923-2597; open breakfast, lunch and dinner

8K at Viceroy Snowmass, Snowmass Village, 970-923-8000 and 877-235-7577; open breakfast daily, dinner Wednesday-Sunday

Thank you to Jeremy Swanson, Snowmass Tourism and other helpful people for the images featured in this story.

Tasting and Toasting During the Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival