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September 17, 2012

Eating My Way Through Vail, CO

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One of the reasons I kept waking up early in the mornings to go hiking while at Vail, CO was not only because of how incredibly inspiring and beautiful those walks were, but also because of all the food I was eating during my visit.

Thing is that this mountain town isn’t just serving up burgers and soups – as some people envision mountains to be doing. Vail has been attracting some pretty creative chefs and culinary visionaries that have been helping to not only solidify the area as a place worthy of foodie accolades, but also as a leader in the farm-to-table movement for similar destinations.

Because of this, some of the choices you may have during the winter months will not be available during the summer, however it still promises to be a fresh and delicious experience.

One of the fun things about visiting Vail in the summer is that this is when most of the chefs and eateries are slower, meaning that you might have the chance to actually meet some of the people who make the magic happen in the kitchen – something I personally always get a kick out of.

Elway’s

Such was the case when I followed Chef Shawn Cubberley of Elway’s around as he walked through the Vail’s Farmer’s Market in search of ingredients for the special meal he was going to prepare for us all. A treat indeed!


Elway’s opened its doors at The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort, on November 21, 2011. Chef Cubberley started his career at his family’s Italian restaurant in NY at the age of 17, and it is with the ease of someone who grew up in this world that he approaches how he picks his food to how he prepares it. His dishes were delicious and accessible, presented in a way that translated to comfort and family, warmth and friends – to call it “comfort” would be too simplistic of a word, as this is, after all, a more upscale steak house, but the flavors definitely delivered the emotion and to enjoy it all with friends brought that even more so to surface.


Chef de Cuisine Shawn Cubberley of Elways’ Vail

To compliment the meal we were served spirits and wines, as well as humor and charisma, by Sommelier Jay Lay. Mr. Lay’s personality and smiling demeanor makes you want to become his best friend and have him over for all your dinner parties (or even better, be invited to one of his). Doesn’t hurt that he is an expert in all things wine and mixology related.

Sommelier Jay Lay

Elway’s is a little off the beaten path secluded in a cozy area off of one of Vail’s walkway, but I encourage to make sure not to miss it when you visit, no matter what season. I enjoyed my time here, in this gorgeous space and friendly ambiance. It’s no wonder Elway’s, with less than a year since it’s grand opening, has become one of those places foodies note as a favorite.

Vail Chophouse

One of the reasons I highly recommend experiencing Vail Chophouse during the warmer months is the views of the mountain while sitting outside sipping on one of their cocktails. For our small group, the Vail Chophouse became a favorite girlfriend hangout after individually venturing about on any one of the many activities Vail has to offer.

I delighted in the Chophouse Bloody (their tri-pepper infused Finlandia Vodka, Signature House Bloody Mary Mix and all the Fixings – you must ask that they include their famous Jalapeno – cured bacon wrapped shrimp to top it off). Another lighter favorite was their blueberry spritz.

Of course you will want to eat there as well. The Vail Chophouse is taking part in Vail’s Restaurant Month, and they are making it fun for everyone, with or without kids in tow.

I for one thought it magical when we were served the Chophouse Cold Seafood Tower with 4 whole langoustines, 1/2 lb of green lip mussels, 1/2 lb of snow crab legs, 4 jumbo shrimp, 1/2 cold Maine lobster and avocado and blue crab cocktail – I know, right?

Sweet Basil

One of Vail’s most popular restaurants because of it’s location and food, Sweet Basil’s kitchen is lead by Executive Chef Paul Anders, who brings a brilliance to the American cuisine for which the restaurant is known. Overlooking one of Vail’s most family friendly spots, it is a favorite for families but also for wine lovers looking to enjoy from their selection of over 500 wines from all over the world.

Personally, I enjoyed my deliciously rich lunch with their refreshing cocktail options. A favorite of mine at Sweet Basil that you should try is their Whipped Truffle Ricotta Toast with Shiitake Mushroom and Sesame Heirloom Kale. O.M.G.ness.

Larkspur

When I went to visit Larkspur they were prepping for one of the things that Larkspur does best: weddings. They not only have the perfect set up, with an open, airy space by their in-house garden with majestic views of the mountain and ski lift, but they also have the talent of New Yorker and Executive Pastry Chef Mark Metzger, who has mastered the challenges of adjusting to baking at 8,000 feet and is known for creating some beautiful sweets, many of which our group got to enjoy upon our visit.

Executive Chef Richard Hinojosa runs the kitchen. He has the warm smile of a San Antonian (Texas), where he is originally from. He proudly showed us the grounds, the garden, and all the prep going on for the festivities to come. You just knew that it was going to be something special, so much attention to detail and pride going into it all – even when it come to serving our group, despite our having arrived in the midst of it all.

Chef Richard Hinojosa of Larkspur

Check them out as well during Vail’s Restaurant Month, and when at the Vail’s Farmers Market make sure to look out for them and taste some of their many special bites.

Flame

Located at the Four Seasons Vail, where I enjoyed my stay while at the area, Flame has a lot to offer diners any time of the day. But dinner is when all the goodies come out, from their 35 Day Dry Aged Bison Ribeye – which Sous Chef Justin Kalaluhi, so graciously cut up and served to us  – to the Maple Bacon Doughnuts with Palisade Cherry And Bourbon Jam. It’s not really something you think or hesitate about. You have to go to Flame and enjoy, guilt free, what they have to offer. It’s that kind of place – you know, where you go to live a little.

Sous Chef Justin Kalaluhi, Flame Four Seasons Vail

Kelly Liken

Many have heard of Kelly Liken for her appearances in both Top Chef (season 7) as well Iron Chef America. But those who know her at Vail, know her for both her philanthropic endeavors  as one of the founder of the Sowing Seeds Program  and her commitment to American cuisine using locally sourced organic ingredients, all of which got the attention of First Lady Michelle Obama who has dined there.

Intimate and cozy, the restaurant is best for couples on a romantic date night – and maybe a group of girlfriends not as rowdy as mine. Nevertheless, the food was spectacular, demonstrative of her dedication to making your experience there one you would want to repeat whenever in Vail.

For a complete Twitter update of my adventure, check out Girls Gone Vail: Taste of Vail Summer on my Storify!

Many thanks to Malen Yantis Public Relations and their partners in Vail, Colorado for their hospitality and service in order to make this experience possible.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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2 Comments
  • Jennifer
    September 18, 2012

    So bummed I couldn't make it to Vail this summer. Glad you made a stop at Restaurant Kelly Liken! The food is just fantastic, no?

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    September 18, 2012

    @Jennifer: Sooo fantastic. As fun as it was eating in Vail, I know it would've been a blast had you been there. I think we should plan it ; )

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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