Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
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TASTE The funky and eclectic Woody Creek Tavern (ABOVE), where John Oates (RIGHT) is a regular. The Eight K bar at the Viceroy Snowmass. LEFT AND BELOW: Jeff Posey and Elizabeth Slossberg tuck in to dinner at Eight K; the eatery's signature shrimp and grits. continued from page 86 ELIZABETH SLOSSBERG, founder of EKS Events Jeff, my husband, and I enjoy Eight K Restaurant at the Viceroy Snowmass, which is sexy, fun, and serves amazing food. And it's one of my favorite event spaces, too. When the restaurant is booked for a private party for our special clients, we work with Viceroy's catering director, Katie de Beshe, who is so creative and fun. Eight K has that relaxed style, with the beautiful ambience that makes driving to Snowmass worth every bite and every sip! Top table: If you have never been, the best is the oversize handmade "piano table" that seats eight. Take a big group and have a blast. Who to know: Emily Albers for scoring a reservation; Rick Lang for the inside scoop on everything Eight K. Not-to-miss dish: My Southern roots returned with chef Will Nolan's New Orleans cuisine. My favorite is his barbecue shrimp and grits. This dish has put him on the map. I also love the "low-cal" roasted eye of rib eye, both aged beef and confit style. To die for! Little-known fact: Chef Will Nolan was not only born and bred in the heart of New Orleans, but he also had his culinary training at the worldfamous Commander's Palace. Summer cocktail: Champagne mojito—yummy, crisp, and refreshing. Marcus muddles the best. Vinoculture: Rick Lang is the most fun. Not only is he a Level Two sommelier and certified wine expert, but he also has a wonderful wit and 88 JOHN OATES, musician As a longtime Woody Creek resident, the Woody Creek Tavern is tops for me and my family. It's funky, eclectic, and there's no restaurant remotely like it in the Valley. In the summer you'll find the outdoor patio packed with bikers, tourists, horseback riders, and locals. Coming here is a rite of passage for visitors to Aspen. Top table: The corner booth or any table outside. Who to know: Tell them you're friends with Ibby. Not-to-miss dishes: The burger (of course!), chicken enchiladas, and "dinos" (chicken fingers shaped as dinosaurs) for the kids. Favorite summer drink: Draft beer. Insider tip: Snag the porch swing outside while you're waiting to be seated. And remember, it's cash-only. Woody Creek Tavern, 2858 Upper River Road, 970-923-4585; woodycreektavern.com ROBIN SMITH, owner of Meridian Jewelers I love sitting on the deck at Piñons in the summer and looking at Ajax without a care in the world. Piñons is remarkable because it makes every single person feel special, whether she's eating from the bar menu or continued on page 90 Robin Smith chats with a fellow diner while indulging in her favorites: crispy oysters. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE CASILLAS/COURTESY OF VICEROY SNOWMASS (EIGHT K); LARRY MARANO/GETTY IMAGES (OATES) ABOVE: humor that are as crisp and dry as the wines he serves. I love trying the new finds he discovers from all of his travels and hearing about his pursuit of the next great bottle. Eight K Restaurant, Viceroy Snowmass Hotel, 130 Wood Road, 970-923-8008; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/snowmass ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM 086-090_AP_Dining_SMD_SUM_Fall_13.indd 88 5/6/13 10:44 AM