My friend writes: "As a long-time visitor to Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado, (make that almost a local!) here are some of my favourite winter dining experiences." - with restaurant editorial info help from Lee Tucker and the Gabby Gourmet Guide.

ASPEN:

L'Hostaria

Cuisine: Italian

Open: Daily

620 E. Hyman Ave.

Aspen, 81611

970-925-9022

www.hostaria.com

Price Range: $$$

Reservations: No

A little slice of Tuscany has found a home right in the heart of Aspen, Colorado. Much like the wine selection their sommelier recommends, L'Hostaria just gets better with age. Your authentic Italian host will greet you, so best to start off your experience with a platter of salumi, fresh mozzarella cheese and a light salad of greens, Portobello mushrooms and goat cheese, or a bowl of mussels marinated in garlic, white wine oregano and tomato sauce. Order a plate of freshly made pasta with basil thin flat noodles, Maine lobster, zucchini and a lobster reduction or try the spaghettini with diver scallops, butter and lemon. Mains include saltimbocca veal and scallopini, goat cheese crusted Colorado lamb chops with rosemary sauce. The sommelier is very helpful in choosing the perfect wine to complement your cuisine. For dessert, try the raspberry torte with graham cracker cookie crust, the panna cotta ai frutti di bosco or heavenly profiteroles. The wine list is fabulous with so many Italian varietals from which to choose. Scotty, the infamous Kiwi bartender, lights up the place with his lethal martinis. This understated, elegant yet fun restaurant does Italian like only true Italians can do.  And a locals tip - get there early for a table in the bar .. the same great food but at a lower pricepoint.

Rustique Bistro

Cuisine: County French

Open: D: Daily

216 S. Monarch St.

Aspen, 81611

970-920-2555

www.rustiquebistro.com

Price Range: $$ - $$$

Reservations: Yes (not required)

Aspen delights in a little slice of the French Provencal country with the cuisine and charm of Rustique Bistro. The cosy, romantic ambience with soft lighting and a feel for France will have you parlez-vous-ing francais in no time!  Start with crispy frog legs with tomato vinaigrette, a divine paté plate or the best salmon tartar. Don't forget to nibble on an order of pommes frites in a cone or the acclaimed cheese tray. The salad course reaches a new height when herb-marinated goat cheese arrives mounded on arugula salad with summer tomatoes. Endive with arugula, Roquefort and poached pears would please royalty, as would the bowl of onion-soup gratinée. Those who know stop by or call in to inquire of the 'Weird Dish of the Night,' or other specials like the Foie Gras, 'Risotto of the Moment', Fish Special or Nightly Plat du Jour. The rest of the menu offers an enormous selection of possibilities to please any normal or weird diner's palate. 'Weird' dishes include specials like the sautéed sweetbreads, crispy and delicious with haricots verts and wild mushrooms. The roasted half-chicken and mashed potatoes taste like mother wished she could make, and pot-au-feu of short ribs with roasted carrots, potatoes and horseradish créme falls off the bone. The duck cassoulet and the calf's liver with bacon and onions, potato purée and sauce dijon, fruites de mer - say "oui, oui!" The mussels are terrific as each sauce is perfectly blended not to overpower the main part of the dish. Finish with a classic French favorite like the chocolate pot au créme, the apple tarte tatin or almond pear financieré  Rustique also offer a fabulous Bar Menu.   Bon Appetit!

Takah Sushi

Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi

Open: D: Daily (seasonal)

320 S. Mill St.

Aspen, 81611

970-925-8588

www.takahsushi.com

Price Range: $$$$

Reservations: Yes

The original sushi restaurant in Aspen, Takah is the perfect place to sip hot sake and order your favorite sushi rolls. Indulge in fresh sushi and traditional Japanese and Asian cuisine, right in the heart of the Rockies. Take a seat at the sushi bar and choose from a respectable list of nigiri sushi, sashimi and specialty rolls. Start off your night with the all-too-famous atomic shrimp (or lobster) and you will see why this dish has such a devout following. Asian Gazpacho served with tempura shrimp is like nothing you've ever tried before; or go for the gyoza, the Colorado lamb lollipops with a madras curry polenta and goat cheese or the spicy lettuce wraps with a Vietnamese kick. Sea bass comes flavoured with red miso, and traditional beef teriyaki uses high-grade, dry-aged meat. Other possibilities include: the crispy Chinese maple leaf duck, the organic locht dewart salmon or the Scallops Sapporo. Lively chatter, friendly service and a pleasing ambiance combine to makes this one of Aspen's legendary restaurant hang outs.

Ajax Tavern

Cuisine: Contemporary

Open: L-D: Daily, BR: Sat and Sun

685 E. Durant Ave.

Aspen, 81611

970-920-2004

Price Range: $$-$$$

Reservations: Yes

Brunch: Yes

Late Night: No

Ajax Tavern, just steps from the Silver Queen Gondola at the base of Aspen Mountain or 'Ajax' per local slang, is open for lunch, aprés, dinner and weekend brunch. With a cosy bar area inside and an expansive deck outside, Ajax Tavern continues to serve aprés ski favourites including the famous Ajax Truffle Fries tossed with Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh parsley and truffle essence, along with other fabulous French bistro fare.  The Tavern has established itself as a top spot for incoming skiers, locals, tourists and celebrities alike. In sunny weather, the patio fills with people admiring the mountain towering above them and the town stretching out below. The woodsy interior boasts comfortable booths and a casual atmosphere. Attached to the 5 star, 5 diamond hotel, The Little Nell runs the management and food service-- enough said. Chef Allison Jenkins has the lunch and dinner menus dialed with a variety of dishes like the double cheeseburger of two Milagro beef ranch patties and melted cheese and all of the right 'fixins,' cooked to perfection. Or try unique seasonal dishes like chicken fried rabbit, served with local sweet corn and crisp greens. The pristine raw bar selections will have you returning again and again. Finish with seasonal cobblers or decadent butterscotch pudding alongside a heavenly Nutella milkshake. The view alone is worth the price - then add in fabulous service, amazing cuisine and a creative drink menu. The Ajax Tavern is, hands down, the place to eat well and 'see and be seen' on the patio during lunch and as an aprés ski location.

Cache Cache

Cuisine: French - American

Open: D: Daily (seasonal)

205 S. Mill St.?Aspen, 81611?970-925-3835

www.cachecache.com

Price Range: $$$

Reservations: Yes

Fall back in love with a long-time Aspen favourite over their newly designed, sleek, contemporary bar, always filled with the beautiful people. Cache Cache established itself as an essential in this food-lovers town. Indulge in the flavours of American and classic French cuisine with touches from the Mediterranean. The extensive wine list and top notch table service add to the overall dining experience. Start with delectable crab beignets, foie gras terrine, black mussels, smoked Scottish salmon or Alaskan king crab. Coq au vin is done to the tee and presented beautifully in a black, cast iron pot. Marvelous mains include pork tenderloin, salmon, osso buco and filet mignon. The Colorado rack of lamb is cooked to perfection with veal jus and potatoes au gratin. The rotisserie chicken is the best anywhere. The herbs and the sage-infused oil come through to the moist meat and the sides that accompany are perfect. Finish with excellent desserts such as the apple crisp, banana bread pudding or the deliciously warm chocolate cake with caramel sauce. Put Cache Cache on the 'must' list when you visit Aspen.

Matsuhisa Aspen

Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi

Open: D: Daily (Seasonal)

303 East Main Street

Aspen, Colorado 81611

970-544-6628

www.matsuhisaaspen.com

Price Range: $$$$

Reservations: Yes

Even without a sign on the street, people manage to track down the region's one and only Nobu-famed gourmet Japanese Seafood & Sushi Restaurant. Set in a historical Victorian on the Main Street of Aspen, this hip restaurant is the most exciting dining scene in Aspen. Delights range from sushi and sashimi to Yellowtail spiked with Jalapenos, tuna on a miso chip or the famed blackened cod. Desserts include a Bento Box filled with molten chocolate cake or the sensational Japanese mochi ice cream flavours changing daily. The world class wine, sake and shochu list will have you coming back for more delightful drinks you can only find in this locale. Matsuhisa offers a downstairs restaurant with a huge sushi bar while upstairs you will find a more relaxed atmosphere and the same impeccable service. The cuisine is worth every bit of the hype Matsuhisa receives. A worthy visit - a favourite for both locals and travelers time and again.

Mezzaluna

Cuisine: Italian

Open: L-D: Daily

624 E. Cooper Ave.

Aspen, 81611

970-925-5882

www.mezzalunaaspen.com

Price Range: $$-$$$

Reservations: Yes

"See and be seen" at Mezzaluna. Dine on casual California and modern Italian influenced cuisine that ranges from fresh fish to tasty salads to Italian classics. Entrees include a classic creamy tomato soup, unique calamari flash fried with a spicy chili sauce and ahi tuna carpaccio with pickled seaweed and wasabi caviar. Try Grandma's stuffed shells with Italian sausage or the herb marinated veal chop with wild mushroom demi-glace and creamy corn polenta. The Chinese chicken salad and traditional chicken Parmesan are top sellers in the poultry section. There is even a 'steak and fries' plate to please every palate. A cheerful crowd is almost always saddled up to the bar with the fiery pizza oven as the backdrop. Happy hour and aprés ski deals are found in the form of personal wood-fired pizzas and bottled beer to keep the locals happy. This bustling energetic mainstay keeps the crowds coming back season after season, year after year.  A great place for lunch, also.

Montagna

Cuisine: Contemporary

Open: B-L-D: Daily, BR: Sun

675 E. Durant Ave.

Aspen, 81611

970-920-6313

The Little Nell Hotel

Price Range: $$$$

Reservations: Yes

For that extra special night out, the Little Nell Hotel is about as heavenly as a place can be with perfect service, incredible rooms and friendly and caring people everywhere that wow anyone lucky enough to visit. Montagna, the restaurant at The Little Nell, welcomes Robert McCormick as executive chef, and he is bringing the cuisine, which is always perfect, to new heights. Start with the amuse of spinach falafel, homemade chips with salmon tartar, and artichoke mousse on a cracker (all mini and marvelous). English pea soup with ramps, hamachi with cucumber, and farm spring vegetables with goat cheese bring raves from each diner. The duo of chicken with asparagus and ricotta gnocchi, annelloni with fennel and grappa sausage and an outrageous tomato rapini and halibut with littleneck clams, pancetta and ramps are picture perfect in presentation, better in taste. End with chocolate three ways or orange, orange and kumquat panna cotta, and it just doesn't get any better. The wine list is spectacular (their 20,000 bottle wine cellar has consistently earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award) with service beyond description.  Sabato Sagaria, director of food and beverage, and restaurant manager, Joey Kern, are beyond compare. Enjoy breakfast and lunch as well, and treat yourself to the farm eggs and all the items from the farm. Visit Montagna, and stay the night for a very special treat. Or just stop by and enjoy the wine and restaurant. Montagna and The Little Nell remain a fantastic Aspen experience.

Pyramid Bistro at Explore Booksellers

Cuisine: Health-conscious world

Open: L, D: Daily

221 E Main St

Aspen, 81611

970-925-5338

Price Range: $$

Reservations: No

Located upstairs above the magical ambience of Explore Booksellers, Pyramid Bistro offers a menu that emphasises greens, whole grains, berries and beans'a toast to your health and a favourite for lunch. The menu caters fabulously to the health-conscious vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners, but former chef of the renowned Syzygy restaurant, Martin Oswald, doesn't discriminate. Dishes spotlighting natural chicken, meat and fresh fish, any and everyone is sure to be delighted by the selection of choices, but more importantly, by the incredible savors and flavours. Oswald dishes up some of the most savoury dishes around from sweet potato lasagna with roasted peppers and cremini mushrooms to decadent vegan chocolate cake; meals are meant to nourish and that's exactly what Pyramid Bistro strives to do.

ASPEN HIGHLANDS:  ON-MOUNTAIN DINING

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

Cuisine: European

Open: Winter only; L: Daily, D: Thursday nights

Address: mid mountain Aspen highlands

Phone 970-923-8715

Price Range: $$$$

Reservations: YES

For a fabulous, memorable lunch, ski or snowboard to the Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, located on Aspen Highlands beneath the summit of the Cloud Nine high-speed quad. An alpine ski hut with casual table settings and an outdoor deck, this full-service restaurant with majestic views of the Maroon Bells is open for lunch with a menu that changes daily and public snow cat dinners on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. Chef Andreas Fischbacher and his staff prepare gourmet meals with a European flair that are complete with entrée and your choice of soup or assorted baby-greens salad. The menu choices include raclette, venison ragout, pheasant breast, Strudel variations, vegetarian dishes, international wine, fine champagne and a full-service bar.

SNOWMASS:

Eight K

Cuisine:

Open: B, L, D: Daily

Cuisine: Contemporary Global?130 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, CO  81615 ?(and slopeside on Assay Hill)

Phone: 970-923-8008

www.viceroysnowmass.com

Price Range $$

Reservations: Yes

An easy bus ride from Aspen lies Snowmass, home to the Viceroy Snowmass Hotel, the uber-hip, new luxury ski resort located in the new Base Village development in Snowmass.  Eight K restaurant menus feature options utilising local farms' products like the flatbread sandwiches with selections like heirloom tomato, wild mushroom with balsamic onion, fontina, pea shoots, truffle oil and duck confit with caramelized shallots, roasted red grapes, wild arugula and saba. Unique and interesting local greens will tempt your healthy side with wild arugula and endive, red plum, orange, marcona almonds and a plum wine vinaigrette, or the Tatsoy with Fuji apple, goat's milk cheddar, cashews and kimchee dressing. A favourite main course is the thyme basted Colorado striped bass with artichoke hearts, sunchoke puree and sizzling balsamic butter. The atmosphere of Eight K is warm, friendly and cutting-edge in its contemporary feel.

For the out-of-the-ordinary, make that a unique experience!, outside of Aspen is:

Woody Creek Tavern

Cuisine: American

Open: L-D: Daily

#2 Woody Creek Plaza

Woody Creek, 81656

970-923-4585

http://www.woodycreektavern.com/

7 miles west of Aspen

Price Range: $

Reservations: No

This laid-back hangout with colourful scenery is the perfect spot to enjoy a fresh lime margarita, kick up your heels and have a good time. Located on the outskirts of Aspen, locals and part-time Aspenites swear by the Mexican specials, like the chicken Estofado served twice a week and the BLT that doesn't skimp on the bacon. The locally raised Limousin burgers are tops in town, and more than one has connived, unsuccessfully, to get the recipe for the WCT signature salad dressing. There can be a wait to dine at this distinguished dive, which boasts a menu of sandwiches, Mexican food, soups, salads and appetisers. Belly up the bar and you are sure to hear a good yarn or two from the staff or local dwellers, also called 'Woody Creatures.' It is no wonder that ranchers, city folk and the late Hunter S. Thompson pick this spot to refuel and whet their whistle - it has zest, colour and delightfully good food.