Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/129660
FLAVOR PROFILE ah, alfresco! Rio, Forest, and Tai Jacober are turning carnivores into locavores. CATTLE CALL CRYSTAL RIVER MEATS LOCALIZES FARM-TO-TABLE BEEF. Since 1999 Carbondale-based Crystal River Meats (CRM) has embraced a concept it calls "Proudly Local." Breeding animals, growing hay, processing the meat, and packaging are accomplished within a 200-mile radius. "It was part of our long-range vision to grow animals in proximity to where people live," says cofounder Jock Jacober, who runs CRM with his sons Rio, Tai, and Forest. "Also, manufacturing local food helps create jobs here in town." A cross of Hereford and Angus, the cattle the Jacobers purchase are raised in open pastures and fed a diet of alfalfa and mountain grasses, without supplements, antibiotics, or growth hormones. The result is flavorful, leaner, and more nutritious than grain-fed beef. To further satiate local health-conscious meat lovers, CRM has moved its Crystal River Meats Market to 689 Main Street, and Whole Foods Market has selected CRM to supply meat to its Basalt store. The company offers certified 100 percent natural beef products, along with free-range chicken, pork products from locally raised pigs, and lamb from Avalanche Ranch. Whole Foods Market, 340 Reed St., Basalt, 970-927-1500; 970-963-9996; crystalrivermeats.com PHILANTHROPIST AND EVENT PLANNER ESTHER PEARLSTONE NAMES THE TOP DISHES FOR PATIO DINING. Ajax Tavern Matsuhisa The double cheeseburger with Parmesan-truffle fries is the way to go! 685 E. Durant Ave., 970-920-6334; ajaxtavernaspen.com An urban Aspen experience. You can't go wrong with the rock shrimp tempura and yellowtail jalapeño. 303 E. Main St., 970-544-6628; matsuhisaaspen.com Cache Cache The Meatball Shack The French onion soup and the filet with peppercorn sauce are my longtime favorites. 205 S. Mill St., 970-925-3835; cachecache.com It has an incredible meatball menu, among other delectables. Check out the crowds near the water fountain. 312 S. Mill St., 970-925-1349; themeatballshack.com Caribou Club PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN GLENN (JACOBERS); COURTESY OF PACIFICA (PACIFICA); JEFF GALE (PEARLSTONE) The patio at Pacifica is right in the heart of Aspen's action. continued from page 94 double cheeseburger is an Aspen classic. "It's infamous," O'Neill says. "We can't take it off the menu…. There would be some sort of Aspen uprising." Two three-ounce grilled Milagro Ranch beef patties (each topped with American cheese) are stacked with vine-ripened tomatoes, shredded romaine, and caramelized onion aioli. A gridled Louis Swiss sourdough bun is the finishing touch. O'Neill suggests adding a cone of truffle fries for a complete experience, and enjoying it on the patio while taking in the local scene. AP Pacifica Restaurant & Oyster Bar This is a well-kept secret for summer dining. Great for a big group, as it looks stunning with a long table down the center. The seafood plateau is the ultimate summer indulgence. 411 E. Hopkins Ave., 970-925-2929; caribouclub.com Ellina's My son, Remy, suggests the braised artichoke heart bruschetta, served with an organic poached egg, shaved truffles, and Parmesan. 430 E. Hyman Ave., 970-925-2976; ellinaaspen.com Garden Terrace at the Hotel Jerome I love the corn nuts in the barbecue chicken salad. 330 E. Main St., 970-920-1000; hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com Try the fried calamari and all things seafood. 307 S. Mill St., 970-920-9775; pacificaaspen.com Sundeck on Aspen Mountain It has the ultimate view! I love the wok station. Order the black bean ginger garlic chicken or shrimp pad thai. 970-923-1227; aspensnowmass.com The Wild Fig It's a Mediterranean jewel. Try the "Flavors of the Sun" plate (hummus, baba ghanouj, and falafel) or fish in a bag. 315 E. Hyman Ave., 970-925-5160; thewildfig.com Esther Pearlstone 96 ASPENPEAK-MAGAZINE.COM 094-096_AP_Dining_Profile_SUM_Fall_13.indd 96 5/7/13 11:17 AM