The Grouse Mountain Grill may be a little bit off the beaten path, but this gem of a restaurant is well worth seeking out. Located in Beaver Creek’s Pines Lodge, Grouse

Mountain Grill is an independently owned purveyor of “rustic” Colorado cuisine – although the dining room is thankfully devoid of many of the antlered trappings often characterizing mountain restaurants.

With its broad ceiling beams, stucco walls and tasteful décor, the Grouse radiates class and comfort.

Executive Chef Ted Schneider has assembled an impressive menu that’s both inventive and familiar.

Starting off with the simple pleasure of flatbread with a cheesy topping, diners move onto traditional favorites like beef tartare and grilled bread to the house favorite appetizer: warm lobster with mascarpone.

Entrees include a stellar cut of lamb T-bone from the Jamison Farms in Pennsylvania (which Schneider favors over Colorado or New Zealand lamb – and rightly so).

There’s a hearty, pretzel-crusted pork chop and a tuna steak done as a pastry-encrusted Wellington that’s out of this world. Those with a fondness for duck will find an entrée that presents the meat two ways, and a New York steak is on hand for more conservative diners.

Grouse Mountain has a wonderful wine list, but it also has a staff well-versed in the vine. Choosing a wine pairing instead of committing to a single vintage is an excellent way to go, allowing the staff to show off its impressive cellar while enhancing each selection with an appropriate vino.

With its AAA Four Diamond rating and high marks from Wine Spectator and the Zagat Survey, Grouse Mountain Grill has established itself as one of the top restaurants in the High Country. Food and wine aside, though, it’s hard to say enough about the service and atmosphere.

A trip to the Grill is a special occasion, and the friendly, inviting staff and beautiful setting make this a must-try, must-return kind of place.

Vail Colorado

The perfect lounge Whether it’s for dinner or just drinks, the lounge at Grouse Mountain Grill prides itself on its tantalizing lineup of martinis and other spirits as well as the continued presence of pianist Tony Gulizia. Gulizia may be the hardest-working man in Eagle County show biz, appearing seven days a week at the Grouse as well as at other venues in the valley. An experienced jazz pianist and singer, Gulizia veers his repertoire into pop as well, touching on everything from Sinatra to Billy Joel. In his 13th season at the Grouse, Gulizia is one of the reasons people love to come back year after year.