For orophiles (mountain lovers) like me, there’s no better thrill than exploring unfamiliar locales above the clouds. However regardless of what number of mountain cities I go to, there’s one I maintain coming again to: Telluride, Colorado.
A former mining camp within the coronary heart of the Rockies that’s been designated a Nationwide Historic Landmark District, Telluride has all of it: It’s one of many world’s high ski resorts and a paradise for winter sports activities fanatics, bikers, and hikers. But what units it other than different Colorado trip spots is its astonishingly diversified meals scene. Past the standard taco joints, saloons, and mom-and-pop eating places, you’ll discover every little thing from Alpine bistros to Detroit-style pizzerias to omakase.
Telluride’s principal culinary artery is Colorado Avenue. Alongside the street, which is freed from visitors lights, you’ll discover dozens of independently owned institutions and hardly any chains (phew!). Over the previous decade, the city heart has blossomed right into a eating vacation spot in its personal proper, with award-winning cooks opening contemporary ideas and old-school standbys upping their recreation.
Whether or not you’re on the town for the well-known Bluegrass Pageant, Movie Pageant, eccentric Mushroom Pageant, or in any other case, maintain this record helpful to your subsequent orophile journey.
Meals Community and Prime Chef followers—together with Telluridians and vacationers—have been flocking to Eliza Gavin’s New American bistro for dishes that draw on her stints in France, New Orleans, and Napa Valley. Occupying a whole Victorian residence, the restaurant doubles as a wine faculty and artwork gallery. I can’t wait to return for buttermilk fried quail with spicy honey, rack of lamb with creamy walnut yogurt and white bean purée, and Rocky Mountain trout with ravioli swimming in brown butter and topped with fried capers.
Well-known for its rectangular Detroit-style pizza with crust that’s crispy on the skin and chewy on the within, this quintessential native hangout is standard with sports activities followers and makes what could also be Colorado’s greatest pies. For first-timers, the obligatory order is the award-winning Brooklyn Bridge, topped with a secret-recipe purple sauce, dollops of whipped ricotta, cup-and-char pepperoni, Italian sausage, and Pecorino Romano.
This brilliant and cheery all-day café is sort of a front room for locals, with espresso refills, from-scratch pastries, and considerate menus, all presided over by Nancy, the resident chook. Proprietor Megan Ossola, who’s lived in Telluride since 1996, brings produce from her close by farm straight to the kitchen. Although breakfast and brunch are the most well-liked, don’t sleep on the lunch and dinner menus, which supply elevated consolation meals corresponding to fried inexperienced tomato burgers on house-baked brioche and steaming bowls of beef pho. Word: The Butcher & The Baker is counter service solely, which generally causes a line out the door, however don’t fear—it strikes shortly.
Need to time journey to 1895? Step contained in the New Sheridan Lodge, which was initially in-built 1891, suffered a devastating hearth in 1894, and was resurrected the next 12 months because the brick constructing that also operates right now.Contained in the Chophouse & Wine Bar off the foyer, you’ll discover a conventional, extravagant steakhouse menu (suppose wedge salads, French onion soup, and oyster platters) with an Outdated West spin on conventional cuts—every butchered in-house and cooked to order on a customized 1800°F broiler. If dinner is booked up, a leisurely brunch right here is simply as nice.
In Telluride’s Mountain Village (accessible through the free gondola), hit the counter at Counter Tradition, the place you’ll be able to seize burgers, wraps, salads, and different to-go dishes that get you again out on the slopes and trails sooner. The main target is freshness; it’s the ethos of three longtime locals who got here collectively over a shared ardour for sustainability and a dedication to the local people—particularly San Luis Valley farmers and ranchers. The trio can be behind the kitchen at Telluride Brewing Firm, the place you’ll be able to down a Ski In Ski Stout earlier than heading again to city.
Esperanza’s Mexican Restaurant
When a restaurant doesn’t have a web site however is at all times full, you already know it’s going to be good. Chef and proprietor Esperanza Reyes opened this Mexican cantina on the primary drag in 2013. Since then, diners have ducked into the downstairs eating room and bar for housemade margaritas, contemporary chips, and spicy salsas, adopted by huge plates of oozing enchiladas or smothered burritos. Along with her mom as wingwoman within the kitchen, Reyes has created a favourite gathering spot for households and buddies to chow down on cantina classics.
The fourth and latest restaurant from culinary energy couple Josh and Melissa Klein, Kazahana stuffed a much-needed void: sushi. Whereas the eating room is pleasingly minimalist—with easy wooden, backlit window panes, and pure stone—I want sitting on the separate omakase bar for the chef’s alternative 15-course tasting menu (solely accessible via advance reserving). Fish is flown in each day, which suggests all tiers of fatty tuna, salmon, and different ocean delights are impeccably contemporary.
Occupying a Nineteenth-century miner’s residence, La Marmotte is “Cabin Porn” on the skin and an escape to France on the within. The seasonal menus by 27-year-old rising star Maggie DeMarco have one thing for everybody, however the roasted bone marrow dolloped with tangy shallot marmalade; beet salad with inexperienced apples, roasted walnuts, and Taleggio cheese; and boeuf bourguignon with Gorgonzola are my high three standouts.
A glass-encased wall of wine bottles anchors this hotspot with big-city ambiance—the primary signal you’re in a restaurant that cares as a lot about what’s within the glass as what’s on the plate. On the record are wines from acquainted producers in Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany—in addition to cult bottles from Philip Togni Winery, Señorío de P. Pecina, Marc Hébrart, and Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur. If it’s a special day, splurge on the seafood plateau, stacked with oysters, lobster tail, snow crab, poached shrimp, and salmon tartare. Mediterranean-influenced small plates together with grilled halloumi, Spanish-style octopus, and zhug with hummus are good for sharing, and an order of heat rosemary focaccia with candy ricotta, black truffle honey, and sea salt is a should.
Opened in 2020, Petite Maison is a French favourite tucked away in an unassuming chalet. Metal beams, café chairs, and an enormous mirror etched with the menu give this intimate house a up to date brasserie really feel. I like to begin with the baked camembert with fig rum discount, walnuts, and orange confit, or with a plate of escargots for the desk. In case you’ve earned your turns after a day on the mountain, go for the normal coq au vin, that includes lardons, pearl onions, and native rooster; or the boeuf Oscar, a center-cut petite filet with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and lump crab.
Ramen meets Texas barbecue at this funky fusion hangout within the basement of Telluride’s historic Roma Constructing, erected within the Eighties to accommodate a raucous saloon, basic retailer, meat market, and extra. As we speak, you’ll be able to curl up on a sofa within the lounge and pattern greater than 150 spirits—a powerful collection of Japanese whiskeys included. The venue’s crown jewel is the unique saloon bar carved from walnut and uncommon tiger maple. Past severely soothing ramen bowls, just like the Mushroom Fest with crispy tofu, seared wooden ear mushrooms, and smoky miso broth, fan favorites embody grilled brisket nigiri, wasabi Caesar salad, and fried rice with buttermilk fried rooster—dishes I’d by no means conceived of till I occurred upon this gem.
