SUNDAY BRUNCH at THE WILDFLOWER
A classic Vail ritual is the fantastic Sunday lunch at THE WILDFLOWER - the excellent, somewhat old-school restaurant in THE LODGE (see GETTING there). Each weekend it is packed with both locals and skiers cashing in on the hotel’s prime location near the chairlifts. After the hearty 4-course champagne brunch, including homemade strawberry ice cream, most of the ski clientele never make it back onto the slopes! The most famous dish is the cobb salad, which in meat-loving Colorado is way more chicken than greens.
The décor departs form the hotel’s heavy lodge feel with a perkier pastel palette and urns full of fresh flowers; the garden room and outdoor courtyard add to the light, lively atmosphere. Don’t make a mistake - book well in advance.
This other great family-friendly option is in the best location in Vail, right by the beautiful COVERED BRIDGE at the end of Bridge Street. With timber sides and its own roof, it spans the river bed lines with gorgeous walls made of giant pebbles. The restaurant has a very warm inviting feel, with plush carpet, old-fashioned curved saloon chairs and a long bar with leather stools.
Big windows look over a winter landscape of firs and GORE CREEK, rushing by outside. Russell’s welcomes children and there are plenty of good options for them like moussaka and crumbed schnitzel. But the house specialties are the real stars: the most amazing Alaskan king crab legs that are served steamed and cracked with drawn butter. All the diners soon throw caution to the wind and suck the flesh out noisily - and happily. Russell’s claims their crablegs are the best in the valley, “maybe the world!” We took their word for it and they are as sweet and tender as advertised - and so enormous that they look like sea monsters coming to the table!
Russell’s status as a great steakhouse is also well-earned, with top quality steaks from classics like New York strip, filet mignon and a particularly tender Steak Diane in brandy and cream to giant T-bones and updated twists like Steak Teriyaki, a 12-ounce sirloin that the kids tried.
Sheira really enjoyed Russell’s because of the warm, casual ambience, scenic setting and good value - so she suggested we come back again. We brought friends who also happened to be visiting back for more, raving about the service and fun, unfussy food.
SWEET BASIL
This is a great option for a family dinner in the heart of the village, just West of the intersection of Bridge Street and Gore Creek Drive. The huge variety on the menu will keep everybody happy, there is truly something for everyone, but all the dishes have one thing in common: the ingredients come from the local Colorado farmers and ranchers.
Good seafood, from crispy Rock shrimp, shellfish broth and Scottish salmon, is balanced by heartier, winter fare like duck breast and local leg of lamb with lemon and mint. The chefs have the skill to produce very refined, rich sounding dishes for those inclined - like buttermilk chive dumplings or brioche clusters.
There are also some dishes that cheekily combine sophistication with pop-culture classics, like White truffle parmesan fries. Your whole family, no matter how varied, will be covered here. Another nice feature: the pricing is not over the top.
Our driver, Fred knew just what to do when we arrived at Denver airport hungry and I mentioned Sheira’s gluten-free dietary requirements. He took us to WILD OATS before heading on to Vail (there are three other outlets in town as part of the Wholefoods chain).
It is a massive organic supermarket with counter-culture, organic products and lots of takeaway food options. A brilliant option for either stocking up for a cabin stay or taking care of a wife who cuts out dairy and glutens but still likes tasty food and choice! Sheira sure was smiling. I have really learnt to seek out and appreciate these alternative food places…
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