Aspen’s Inaugural Restaurant Week is a Delicious Autumn Treat

Photo: Eliza Voss Karina Keller, Courtesy Of Aspen Chamber Resort Association

When a small mountain town has a big dining scene, a celebration of culinary artistry is a natural choice. That’s why Aspen launched its inaugural Restaurant Week Autumn during a stretch of golden days from September 21st to 27th.

Sarah Reynolds Lasser, Vice President of Business Development at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA), explains the inspiration behind the new event. “ACRA hopes to give both Roaring Fork Valley locals and visitors a taste of Aspen’s approachable, vibrant culinary community,” Lasser says. “From MICHELIN and James Beard-recognized chefs and restaurants to longtime local favorites that have been part of the community for generations, there’s a wide range of experiences to discover.”

Angelo’s restaurant. | Photo: Bridget Crosby, Courtesy of Aspen Chamber Resort Association

As part of the festivities, a bumper crop of Aspen’s top-tier restaurants—27 in all—served fall-inspired, multi-course, prix fixe menus including $45, $75 and $95 meals. Plates were packed with seasonal flavors and ingredients that pay tribute to local farmers and purveyors.

Showcasing old favorites and new plates, the stellar roster of eateries included MICHELIN-starred Bosq, serving a Restaurant Week menu featuring Oscietra Caviar, Japanese Wagyu Beef and Colorado Striped Bass, and MICHELIN-recommended Mawa’s Kitchen, where the $75 Restaurant Week menu included Saffron Scented Seafood Gumbo, Vegetable Maffé and Truffled Yucca Fries.

West End Social at Aspen Meadows Resort. | Photo: Laura Beausire

Matsuhisa, founded by famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offered exquisite menus priced at both $75 and $95, with specials including Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Broiled Black Cod Filet with sweet miso and a Chocolate Bento Box with green tea ice cream and berries.

Justin Kalaluhi, Executive Chef at West End Social, a hidden-gem restaurant with knock-out mountain views in the Bauhaus-inspired Aspen Meadows Resort, offered Restaurant Week delicacies including Roasted Butternut Squash and Olathe Corn Soup, Pan-Roasted Trout and an indulgent Horchata Cream Puff. Chef Kalaluhi puts Restaurant Week in perspective.

West End Social At Aspen Meadows Resort menu. | Photo: Laura Beausire

“Dining out regularly can be a significant expense, especially in a destination like Aspen, so Restaurant Week gives locals a chance to experience restaurants they may not typically visit at a more approachable price point.” He also sees the opportunity from a chef’s perspective. “We can create a menu that represents our style, introduce guests to dishes and ingredients they may not have tried before, and hopefully turn a first-time guest into someone who comes back throughout the year.”

At the convivial PARC Aspen restaurant, Peruvian Chef Stefano Schiaffino created a delicious Restaurant Week menu that featured Lomo Saltado, and Organic King Salmon with chanterelle mushrooms, sweet potato puree and caviar lentils. House-made donuts with jam were a decadent finishing touch. “Walking through the dining room and seeing so many locals, industry professionals and just a really full restaurant helped us truly appreciate how privileged we are to live in such an amazing community,” says Schiaffino.

PARC Aspen. | Photo: Shawn Campbell

Arriving during the quiet fall season allows travelers to slow down and see a more relaxed side of Aspen. “Autumn is a special time to experience Aspen when the landscape shifts into vibrant color and the cooler days invite you to spend even more time outside,” says Lasser.

“From hiking and biking to fishing and exploring the high country, there’s still plenty to do before winter arrives.” Visitors to Aspen during Restaurant Week Autumn can also take advantage of seasonal savings, including the Neighboring States Offer at Aspen Meadows Resort, Colorado Locals’ Rate at Limelight Aspen, Mountain Reset special at MOLLIE Aspen and One Last Splash rate at The Gant Aspen.

See the full list of restaurants that participated in the inaugural Aspen Restaurant Week Autumn here.

PARC Aspen menu. | Photo: Laura Beausire

PARC Aspen Organic King Salmon. | Photo: Laura Beausire

PARC Aspen Housemade Donuts With jam. | Photo: Laura Beausire