This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, and while you can celebrate love any day of the year, here are a few ideas on how you can spend the holiday, whether you are looking for a traditional “date” night or gift, seeking pampering, something more sporty, or don’t have a Valentine…yet.

Traditional Date

Dinner, flowers, chocolate, jewelry, a couples massage … if that is your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day, you’re not alone. Many restaurants will be changing table configurations to make room for dozens of two-tops on Tuesday night and jewelry stores will be helping pick out last-minute gifts. It might be hard to fit a couples massage into your schedule but get a gift card that can be used later. Just plan ahead to make sure you are set for Feb. 14.

Restaurants will be busy during this holiday so call ahead to reserve your spot at your favorite eatery. Mix things up with a horse-drawn sleigh ride dinner at 4 Eagle Ranch, or a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride going to Zach’s Cabin or Beano’s Cabin, which are private during the day but are open to the public at night. Or snowshoe to dinner at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse near Ski Cooper. Here are a few specials going on at area restaurants.

The Hythe Vail

Revel at The Hythe in Lionshead will have its regular menu available and will be doing specials on Feb. 14:

• Fresh shucked oysters (West Coast) – rose water mignonette, basil foam
• Frisée salad – 30-minute egg, rosé and pink peppercorn vinaigrette, lardons, caviar
• Lavender-scented Chilean sea bass – asparagus coins, preserved lemon aioli, lavender water, parsnip purée
• Sous vide New York strip – cocoa coffee crust, sauce noir, sweet potato pommes pavé, lacinato kale
• Chocolate rose cannoli – rose cannoli cream, cocoa nibs, dried rose petals

Chasing Rabbits

Take your date on an adventure at Chasing Rabbits. This nightclub in Solaris is the newest hot spot in town, so explore it together if you haven’t made it inside the 13,000-square-feet of club space.

The Restaurant at Chasing Rabbits is aiming to spark romance with a special five-course menu on Valentine’s Day. Guests will start with a pommes souffle and then have a choice of several options within each course. Examples include surf and turf, duck in a box and roasted celery root. The tasting menu will be the only menu available on Valentine’s Day and is available for $195 per person. The menu is available on Feb. 14 only from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

On Feb. 13, check out “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” on the big screen at Chasing Rabbits. Doors to Moon Rabbit will open at 7 p.m. so you can get settled in to watch the flick. You remember “Crazy, Stupid, Love.,” the rom-com released in 2011 that stars Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Follow along the ups and downs of Cal Weaver’s (Steve Carrell) life when his wife decides to leave their “perfect life” after 25 years of marriage and Cal gets dating tips from Gosling’s character, ladies man Jacob Palmer. This is a 21+ event and tickets are $15 and can be purchased on EventBrite.

Gessner at Grand Hyatt Vail

Valentine’s Day dinner is all about choices at Gessner Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Vail. You can choose the date you go and have all sorts of appetizers, entrees desserts and drink pairings to select. This special is happening any night between now and Feb. 14.

Appetizer and drink pairing:

• Elk carpaccio or lobster salad
• Chocolate martini or La Marca prosecco

Entrée and drink pairing:

• Miso glazed cod or grilled lamb chop
• Chateau Ste. Michelle riesling or Belle Glos “Clarke & Telephone”

Dessert and drink pairing:

• Strawberry almond champagne cheesecake or chocolate and red berry cake
• Moët Imperial Ice

Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon

Stoke & Rye opened this past summer, so if you are returning for a winter ski trip, you may not know about this new steakhouse that took over the former Maya Mexican Restaurant space. It is still part of the Richard Sandoval collection of restaurants, and it is hosting a special three-course Valentine’s Day dinner on Feb. 14.

• Appetizer: raw platter to share – beef tartar, smoked oysters, trout crudo and focaccia bread
• Entrée (1 per person) – pan seared butter herbed Colorado bass with roasted potatoes, chorizo lentils and crispy parsnip – OR – tamarind braised short rib with creamy polenta, herbed heirloom carrots and chimichurri
• Dessert platter to share: pecan pie, carrot cake and bread pudding

Valentine’s Day reservations are highly recommended at StokeandRye.com. Stoke & Rye will also be serving its full menu on Valentine’s Day.

If you want to toast to Valentine’s Day with your sweetie or bring out your gal pals for Gal-entine’s Day, Stoke & Rye is doing drink specials all throughout the month of February:

• La Rosa – a paloma served with edible flower ice cubes
• Smoked Cherry Sazerac – a traditional Sazerac sweetened with Luxardo cherry juice and smoked tableside, served with a charred cherry and orange peel 
• Lady in Pink – a chocolate strawberry martini

Spa Anjali at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa is offering couples massages in its award-winning spa. There is also a special for the month of February. Try the Strawberry Seed Body Polish treatment exfoliate you and fill you with antioxidants and vitamin C to leave your body hydrated and feeling soft and smooth. Pair this with a massage to leave relaxed and refreshed. To book a treatment, please visit SpaAnjali.com.

You can also get a Spa Anjali gift card at a discount if you buy between now and Feb. 14 and use it for any future spa or salon service. Save $25 when you buy online, Shop.SpaAnjali.com/Vouchers/Category.

Valentine’s Day at The Remedy Bar

The Remedy Bar in the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail is offering a few Valentine’s Day specials on February 14 only:

• Chocolate covered strawberry martini: Strawberry chocolate martini, tequila rose, crème de cocoa, Bailey’s – $22
• Maine lobster pot pie for two: Heirloom carrots, smoked pearl onions, pee wee potatoes – $70
• Valentine’s Signature Haut Chocolat: Haut Chocolat modified with Love Heart Marshmallow. Haut Chocolat can be enhanced with a shot of your choice – $20 for one, $35 for two

Sporty Date

Some like to get off the beaten path from traditional Valentine’s Day activities and want to be active with their Valentine, whether it’s enjoying the day on the slopes of Vail and Beaver Creek or, getting away from the crowds and snowshoe up a trail. Most hiking trails in the summer make great snowshoe trails in the winter. Don’t have snowshoes? Rent a pair at the Beaver Creek Nordic Center or the Vail Nordic Center. The Vail Nordic Center also rents fat tire bikes, which are fun to try on the relatively flat land around the Vail Nordic Center or test them out on the bikes trails throughout the valley that aren’t too packed with snow.

Skinning uphill under the moonlight can be romantic, too. The full moon was last week, but even a crescent moon can shed some light if the skies are clear. Meadow Mountain outside of Minturn is a good place to go. If you want to skin up Vail or Beaver Creek, call the uphill hotline to see what routes are available and remember that there are no dogs allowed at any time and you cannot skin up while the mountain is open.  

If you want to learn a little more about your surroundings, take a guided snowshoe tour. On Tuesday, join Walking Mountains for a guided back country snowshoe hike from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Walking Mountains campus in Avon to get set up with snowshoes, hiking poles and hot drinks before being whisked off to the featured hike that day. The guides at Walking Mountain will know where the best snowshoe hikes are this time of year and the fabulous vistas that go with them. Tuesday’s location is Tennessee Pass and the topic is watersheds. Tickets are $35 per person. Registration is required and you can find out more information at WalkingMountains.org.

Jewelry, art and charitable giving

Jewelry is often given to show one’s love on Valentine’s Day and the Squash Blossom, which has been locally owned and operated for over 40 years, is a great place to go to find something that sparkles, but on Tuesday they are teaming up with Curate Art and Curiosities to show their love and support of Roundup River Ranch with a pop up event. “Share the Love” allows you to celebrate love while shopping the jewels at Squash Blossom and the artwork, rugs and a special collection of jewelry by Mauri Pioppo.

You shop = Roundup River Ranch benefits. 10% of the proceeds that day will go to Roundup River Ranch, which is part of Paul Newman’s SeriousFun Children’s Network of camps outside of Gypsum. The camp provides free camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families.

The event will go from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. so stop in, find some awesome gifts (and you can get a gift for yourself and show some self-love!) and give back – what a way to share the love!

Valentine’s Day for singles

North Coast Originals in downtown Eagle wants everyone to feel included this Valentine’s Day. Single or not, or maybe you’re trying to set your pal up with someone, come to the Single AF Party starting at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. The eatery on Broadway in Eagle will serve up signature drinks, food specials and will have “zero heart decorations.”

North Coast Originals, or NoCo for short, has hosted Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties and has special events on Thursdays like wine tastings, bingo and trivial night. Check out one of Eagle’s newest places to mix and mingle and who knows…you may just meet someone sweet at this non-Valentine’s Day party. Go to NorthcoastOriginals.com or its Facebook or Instagram page for more information. Come for the drinks and stay for a made-from-scratch meal.

Editor’s Note: The Vail Daily is showcasing area chefs in a new series called “Meet Your Chef” so you can learn a bit more about those creating art in the kitchen. If you’re a local chef and would like to be a part of this series, please email Tricia Swenson (tswenson@vaildaily.com) and Sean Naylor (snaylor@vaildaily.com).

Q: What is your name, where do you cook and what is your official title?

A: My name is Adolfo Martinez Becerra and I’m 23 years old, I am the sushi chef at Sakaba at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch.

Q: How long have you lived in the valley and what brought you here?

A: I was born in Vail and left to go to New Mexico at the age of two. I came back when I was ten and went to Florida at 17 for an internship at Disney World and I’ve been back since then.

Q: When did you first realize that you wanted to become a chef?

A: Ever since I was a little kid. I grew up surrounded by kitchens since I was young.

Q: Who has inspired you throughout your culinary journey?

A: My biggest inspiration is my mom, she taught me to work hard for my dreams and to always keep chasing them. Currently she’s pursuing hers by opening her own food truck that will be open soon.

Q: What’s your favorite spice?

A: My favorite spice is togarashi, it has the perfect blend of spice and acid.

Q: Favorite protein?

A: My favorite protein is fish, more specifically Japanese chu-toro from a bluefin tuna. It has a great balance between fat and lean.

Q: Favorite fruits and veggies?

A: My favorite fruit would be peaches and my favorite veggies are butternut squash and sweet potatoes.

Q: Name your carb: pasta, potatoes, rice, polenta, etc.?

A: My favorite carb has to be pasta and anything that has to do with it.

Q: What’s your favorite comfort food?

A: My go-to comfort food will always be curry and rice, especially when it’s spicy.

Q: Is there anything else about you we should share?

A: I just wanted to share with anyone that wants to join the industry, keep pushing and take advantage of any opportunity you can get. You never know what can happen good or bad but the experiences are unforgettable.

Editor’s Note: The Vail Daily is showcasing area chefs in a new series called “Meet Your Chef” so you can learn a bit more about those creating art in the kitchen. If you’re a local chef and would like to be a part of this series, please email Tricia Swenson (tswenson@vaildaily.com) and Sean Naylor (snaylor@vaildaily.com).

Q: What is your name, where do you cook and what is your official title?

A: My name is Daniel Joly and I am the executive chef and owner of Mirabelle at Beaver Creek.

Q: How long have you lived in the valley and what brought you here?

A: We moved to the Vail Valley in 1990. We left Charleston, South Carolina after Hurricane Hugo, thinking we would be here for a winter season. That quickly changed when we realized this area was the best place to raise our family.

Q: When did you first realize that you wanted to become a chef?

A: I’ve been a rebel since I was young and didn’t like school. I was intrigued by the kitchen in a restaurant. I didn’t like the idea of a 9 to 5 job. Working in a kitchen seemed fun and challenging.

Q: Who has inspired you throughout your culinary journey?

A: I was inspired by a master chef and culinary celebrity in Belgium, where I started my journey. Now, I’m one of them. I hope to be an inspiration to the next generation of up-and-coming chefs.

A: What’s your favorite spice?

Q: I’m not a spice-oriented person, but I lean more towards fresh herbs at Mirabelle. We have our own greenhouse where we grow many varieties of fresh herbs, including lemon thyme, purple basil, lemongrass, mint, rosemary and ginger root 

Q: Favorite protein?

A: One of my favorite proteins is Colorado lamb. It’s lean but still full of flavor. Duck is another favorite of mine.

Q: Favorite fruits and veggies?

A: For fruits, I really like wild strawberries, acai and guava. My favorite veggies are Brussels sprouts, Belgian endive and white asparagus. It just depends on the season.

Q: Name your carb: pasta, potatoes, rice, polenta, etc.?

A: My main carb of choice is potatoes, there are so many ways to eat them and they are such a good vessel for flavor absorption. I also like some ancient grains like farro or quinoa.

Q: What’s your favorite comfort food?

A: I appreciate a good meat bowl, a grilled chicken and some simple ingredients or in a good homemade soup is very satisfying after a good day of skiing. Or a nice glass of wine and cheese with friend after a day on the river. Hmm, this is making me hungry!

Q: Is there anything else about you we should share?

A: I think at Mirabelle the last 30 plus years that I’ve been there, we have always kept a sense of responsibility with our staff to improve our guest experience. We are so lucky to operate in an old farmhouse that is unique to the valley’s restaurant scene. We always make sure we provide fresh food,  great, friendly service and an exceptional and fairly priced wine selection.

I believe that in our industry it is a daily task to make sure you are always growing and striving to be better. I will be judged on my last dinner, we’re only as good as the last meal we made and we cannot rest and think we have made it to the top. Tomorrow we have to do it all again!

We have been fortunate to have our staff’s support and a dedicated, talented chef that shares our vision. We are a family-owned business and we want to be a part of the community. We always feel lucky and proud of the support we have received throughout the years.

America Recycles Day

America Recycles Day is Nov. 15 and Eagle County wants to help you understand the best ways to recycle every day of the year. According to the lovevail.org website, the current national recycling rate is 35% while the state of Colorado’s rate is 16%. The town of Vail recycling rate is 27%, just shy of the Eagle County rate of 28%.

Are you confused about what can and can’t be recycled? If the answer is yes, download the free Eagle County Waste Wizard app. The Recycling Guide will give you and your family the answers to all your recycling questions at your fingertips.

Walking Mountains Science Center has been counting down to America Recycles Day by offering tips and tricks to help you recycle right and manage your waste more sustainably. New tips are posted daily to its Sustainability Facebook page and Instagram stories (search for @walkingmtns). You can also send in your questions to @walkingmtns or tag #recycleright and the Walking Mountains Zero Waste team will answer your questions.  

If you want to ditch the single-use plastics, head over to Fill & Refill, a store in Edwards that is dedicated to reducing single-use plastic by selling many household items like shampoo and laundry detergent that are unpackaged. Simply bring in your own containers or purchase reusable containers at Fill & Refill and break the cycle of contributing to more plastic waste. More info can be found at fillandrefill.com.

On Friday, the town of Vail had planned to host a recycling event for paper shredding and electronic waste. Due to the rising COVID-19 cases in Eagle County, the town of Vail is postponing the event and it will be rescheduled when the COVID-19 case numbers have been lowered.

As an alternative, Eagle County residents can take electronics waste to the Eagle County Household Hazardous Waste facility in Wolcott. The facility is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There is a small charge for electronics and Eagle County residents can deposit up to 20 items of household hazardous waste, such as paint, free of charge per visit.

Second Friday ARTwalk on Broadway

This weekend marks the second anniversary of the Second Friday ARTwalk, a monthly event held in downtown Eagle. The milestone won’t be marked by any grand celebrations due to COVID-19 restrictions, but you are still invited to stop by and support local artists and shops on Broadway and beyond on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. by ordering takeout, getting gift cards and doing a quick shopping trip in the shops and galleries.

Founder and event organizer Tara Novak, owner of ARTSPaCE workshop and gallery, has been working hard throughout the pandemic to support local artists and small businesses that are a part of the Eagle community. Novak is currently working on uploading items by local artists for holiday gift ideas on artspaceworkshop.com to provide a resource for those looking to shop local this holiday season.  

The Vail Valley Art Guild will be holding a member exhibit on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors will be allowed to choose two free holiday greetings cards designed by artist Beth Levine. The Vail Valley Art Guild’s Gallery is located at 108 Second Street in Eagle.  

Even though the Broadway Promenade in downtown Eagle won’t be bustling with exhibitor tents and food trucks like it has in the past, browse the art galleries and stop by the restaurants for a quick bite or takeout or buy a gift card and support those places as well:

• Bonfire Brewery’s 10th Anniversary Celebration – new chalk art reveal by Natalia Gray, live music with The Evolution from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Katch of the Day Wine Bar – Frida Kahlo, Picasso, other assorted vintage art and wine specials
• Owashi Sushi Kitchen – fine art exhibit and dining specials
• Chics Couture – fall sale, local artisan jewelry
• Everyday Outfitters – fall sale, home holiday decor and art prints

71st annual Warren Miller Movie Premier

Even though we are in the middle of a pandemic, it’s still stoke season and the 71st annual Warren Miller movie, “Future Retro,” is the official flick that kicks it off.

You read that correctly, 71 years of Warren Miller films. These films about winter skiing and snowboarding attract die-hard enthusiasts, aspiring wanna-be pro athletes and even those who may never step foot on the slopes this winter. The footage, music and commentary are that entertaining and iconic. And although you can’t watch this year’s movie on the big screen like in the past, you’ll still see the beautiful scenery, amazing athleticism and hear some of Warren’s famous quotes.

“Future Retro” features a cast of nearly two dozen of today’s most talented skiers and snowboarders that will take you to the slopes of Utah, Vermont, Montana and Alaska. International destinations include Switzerland, Iceland and Antarctica. For those of you missing the Birds of Prey World Cup Races at Beaver Creek this year, there is a segment from last year’s women’s World Cup race in Killington, VT.

Due to the pandemic, “Future Retro” is being premiered in locations across the U.S. over a three-week period via a streaming platform. Last Saturday, the East Coast got to view “Future Retro,” This Saturday, the Rocky Mountain Region can view it at 6 p.m. MST and next Saturday the West Coast will be able to see the film.

A ticket for the movie premiere costs $30 and that will accommodate one to four people on a single device. This ticket gives you and your three guests access to door prizes like ski gear, coupon codes and other swag. Have more than four who want access to the goods? Simply purchase more tickets to accommodate your viewers. You will have access to the event for up to 48 hours in case you can’t watch it Saturday or want to watch it again.

Olympian and long-time Warren Miller films narrator Jonny Moseley reprises his role in this year’s film and will kick it off with a virtual red carpet experience. Get your living room ready for the 71st annual Warren Miller movie with popcorn, “free” drinks from your own fridge and a comfortable couch. To purchase tickets or watch the movie trailer go to warrenmiller.com.

Cupcakes and Clay

Instead of Cupcakes and Canvas, Alpine Arts Center is hosting its Cupcakes and Clay event this Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy delicious cupcakes while creating a lasting piece of functional art. This week, the class will be creating platters for serving or as a decorative piece to display.

During the class, you will be provided with all the art materials to make the platter and the instruction and assistance you’ll need throughout your artistic journey. Start with a ball of clay and shape it into the desired platter you envision. This is the family-friendly version of Cocktails and Canvas, but those over 21 are allowed to purchase beer, wine or champagne from the Alpine Art Center for $6 each.

Go to alpineartscenter.org to make a reservation for the class. Tickets are $35 and include the cupcakes and all the art supplies. You can do the class virtually for $25, which doesn’t include the art materials, but you can buy art class kits online as well.

You may have seen information about the Social Arts Programs that the Alpine Arts Center is doing for the town of Vail this season. These are discounted classes for $20 due to support from the town of Vail, Alpine Bank, Holy Cross Energy and Vail Daily. This Friday’s trail map painting class is already sold out but inquire about a virtual class. More information can be found at alpineartscenter.org.

Off season deals

There are a few restaurants doing deals this time of year. Take advantage of the savings and treat yourself to a nice meal before the ski season starts and support local restaurants:

Northside Coffee & Kitchen:

• All entrées $20
• Specialty entrées:
• Filet mignon, rib eye or prime rib $24
• Lobster shrimp risotto $27
• Thenorthsidekitchen.com

Hooked:

• 20% off all appetizers and sushi
• 20% off all whole fish and wine over $100
• Available Sunday – Thursday
• Must mention ad to receive the discount, dine-in only
• Hookedbc.com

Route 6 Cafe and Bar:

• Three courses for $21
• First course: soup, chili, house or Caesar salad
• Second course: choice of any entrée
• Third course: chocolate brownie or apple tort a la mode
• Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Routesixcafe.com

“Voice of the Violin”

The Vilar Performing Arts Center presents Joshua Bell & Larisa Martinez’s “The Voice and the Violin” with pianist Peter Dugan. Although the event is presented by the Vilar, the concert will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on Friday night at 6 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Amp is only allowed to have 175 concertgoers at a performance. That small number and the fact that this is a hot ticket is the reason the event has already sold out. But, the good news is it will be streamed live through Veeps.  

For $20 you can watch the streaming version and see a number of “firsts.” This marks the first in-person performance for Bell and Martinez since the pandemic began. It’s also the live premiere of their new work, “The Voice and the Violin.”

Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated violinists of his era and has performed in Vail many times before. Larisa Martinez is an award-winning soprano vocalist who has a strong and unique presence in the classical performance world. This husband-wife duo is teaming up with pianist Peter Dugan. Dugan is a sought-after multi-genre artist who has performed with Itzhak Perlman, Renee Fleming, Jesse Collin Young, Glenn Close and many more.

The performance will include music from Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Strauss, Puccini’s “La Bohème” and Bernstein’s “West Side Story.” 

View this live performance filmed in our backyard at The Amp from the comfort of your own home. Visit grfavail.com to get the $20 tickets for the live stream, which will be available for a rewatch until Aug. 28. Please note that 50% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to mental and behavioral health initiatives in the Vail Valley.  

2nd Friday Art Walk on Broadway

The 2nd Friday Art Walk is happening on Broadway in Eagle this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and is a celebration of the arts, local businesses and the history of downtown Eagle. It’s a fun way to come together (while still social distancing) when the workweek is done.

Kick-off the evening with Yoga + Beats, which brings yoga to the street and down-tempo beats for a sunset session on the mat. After yoga, take your ticket for the yoga class to Katch of the Day and get a free glass of wine. Space is limited, so get your tickets soon at yogaandbeats.com.

Art features include fine artist Tara Novak (founder and organizer of the event) of Artspace Workshop and Gallery. Novak will be exhibiting a special series celebrating all the years of collaboration with Yoga Off Broadway and Eagle Yoga Fest. The amazing photography of Raj Manickam will also be on display.

In addition to artists and vendors in tents and live music along Broadway, other attractions include:

• Happy hour and ax throwing at Bonfire Brewing
• Sales at Everyday Outfitters and Jules Collectibles
• Flower cart and crafts from Petals of Provence
• Deals at area restaurants and food trucks

Broadway will be closed down for this event to allow for more social distancing. For more information go to the Eagle Arts Facebook page.

Rewind at Beaver Creek F.A.C.

Unwind with Rewind at Beaver Creek’s F.A.C. (Friday Afternoon Club) this Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Rink Stage on Beaver Creek Plaza. Rewind is a local band that celebrates tunes from the 80s and is comprised of five guys who all have day jobs but love to play music as a side gig.

Rewind has gained quite a local following and there’s pent up demand to hear them play. Due to COVID-19, they haven’t played a live show in several months. “We had three shows canceled this spring and had another show canceled this summer,” said Josh Lautenberg, the drummer for Rewind. “We are thrilled to be playing this Friday and will be bringing our favorite music and energetic style to guests and locals at Beaver Creek,” Lautenberg said. 

During F.A.C., grab a bite from a local restaurant and sit in the big, overstuffed couches and chairs outside on the plaza. You can even wander with drinks due to Beaver Creek’s Common Consumption Area, which allows you to carry a drink purchased from a licensed liquor establishment in approved disposable cups through designated areas of Beaver Creek from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Check out the special deals during F.A.C.

• Beaver Creek Chophouse: $2 oysters and live music from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Dusty Boot: cheeseburger, fries and a 16 ounce Coors Banquet Beer for $16
• Blue Moose Pizza: Colorado craft draft and a slice of pizza for $6
• Alpine & Antlers: kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree

For more information visit beavercreek.com.

GoPro Mountain Games Elements 5k and movie

UPDATE: Due to smoke from the Grizzly Creek wildfire, we have cancelled tomorrow’s GoPro Mountain Games Elements: Apres 5K run, as well as the showing of The Barkley Marathons scheduled for after the race at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. 

The GoPro Mountain Games, which are typically held in June, were rescheduled for August, but with the current COVID-19 restrictions the GoPro Mountain Games were canceled for 2020. With that being said, there are some “mini-events” called GoPro Mountain Games Elements that are being scheduled. This Saturday you can take part in a 5k run (or walk if you’d like) followed by a movie.

It’s called an Après 5k run, which right there tells you it’s not too serious. Five kilometers is about equal to 3.1 miles and that amount of distance can almost be done straight off the couch. Follow up the exercise with a movie on the big screen at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. “The Barkley Marathons” movie will be shown on the huge 23-by-9-foot video screen with plenty of room to social distance on the lawn at The Amp.

The course begins at Mountain Plaza in Vail, runs through much of the traditional 5K event, and finishes at The Amp. To reduce crowding, there will be three waves with start times happening at 5:20, 5:40 and 6 p.m.

Register for the 5k and the movie or just the movie at https://mountaingames.com/the-games/elements/. But, if you do the 5k, you are entered to win some cool prizes. World-class runner Andy Wacker will take part in the event and help out with some giveaways at The Amp after the race.

Outdoor seating is one of the best parts of summertime dining even when the world isn’t in a global pandemic, but now that we are, outdoor seating is practically a godsend. Tables are more readily available outdoors, plus they offer some peace of mind when it comes to safe restaurant outings.

Be sure to check with restaurants directly for the most up-to-date COVID-19 and social distancing policies. I recommend calling restaurants: some spots are reserving patio seating to first-come-first-serve diners, while others have tightly-booked reservation schedules.

If your favorite isn’t listed or your top choice is full, many restaurants in Vail Village, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards offer outdoor seating. The ones listed here are some of the Vail Valley’s classic favorites, opinions shared by locals and visitors alike. Some restaurants have even added patios where they didn’t previously have one. Call ahead to be sure. Takeout, delivery and curbside pickup are still being offered at most places, and you could easily bring dinner home or take it to Ford Park for an evening picnic.

Beaver Creek Chophouse

Location: Beaver Creek, Avon

Vibe: Classic Steakhouse

The patio directly faces the Centennial Express lift, and location can’t get much better than that.

970-845-0555

beavercreekchophouse.com

Blue Plate

Location: Avon

Vibe: Modern European

Make your outdoor dining experience extra special with Blue Plate’s gondola car seating, decked out with sunflowers and a full chef’s tasting menu. There are only two cars, so reserve early.

970-845-2252

blueplateavon.com

Ein Prosit

Location: Avon

Vibe: Modern Bavarian

The small German beer hall has plenty of outdoor tables and a wide selection of imported brews. Order a pint and pair with a soft pretzel.

970-949-7730

einprosit.net

El Segundo

Location: Vail

Vibe: Modern Mexican

One of Vail’s newest restaurants overlooks Gore Creek, and it’s great for apps and drinks or a full meal. Enjoy the creek sounds with my personal favorite: the Kiss from a Rosé white sangria.

970-763-5470

elsegundovail.com

Hovey & Harrison

Location: Edwards

Vibe: Bougie (in a good way) Bakery

Hovey & Harrison is most known for its bread, but it has a full coffee and lunch menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Best for a treat-yourself but still healthy lunch.

970-446-6830

hoveyandharrison.com

Garfinkel’s

Location: Vail

Vibe: Classic American

Garf’s, as it’s affectionately known by locals, is a great spot for drinks with friends or a casual dinner with family. The deck is pretty large and overlooks the Born Free gondola in Lionshead.

970-476-3789

garfsvail.com

La Bottega

Location: Vail

Vibe: Upscale Italian

The patio at La Bottega overlooks East Meadow Drive for some of the best people watching in all of the Vail Valley. Grab a plate of pasta and a Pinot Noir while you’re at it.

970-476-0280

labottegavail.com

Loaded Joe’s

Location: Avon

Vibe: Classic bar, but updated

Grabbing a few drniks with friends couldn’t be more convenient at Loaded Joe’s deck. Prices are reasonable and your view is one of the best: the slopes at Beaver Creek.

970-748-1480

loadedjoes.com

Maya

Location: Avon

Vibe: Upscale Mexican

The deck here at the Westin Riverfront hotel is huge, with plenty of space to spread out over margaritas. Maya also has an extensive tequila list, if you’re into that sort of thing.

970-790-5500

richardsandoval.com

Minturn Saloon

Location: Minturn

Vibe: Classic local’s spot

Minturn Saloon, while beloved by locals for its Halloween Party each year, also offers a spacious deck overlooking the Eagle River. Plus, its setting in the quirky small town that’s given the pub its name means its farther away from traffic noise and pedestrian congestion.

Pepi’s Restaurant and Bar

Location: Vail

Vibe: Classic Bavarian

Pepi’s, the word “deck” and those orange umbrellas are one and the same during summertime. Pair with authentic German, Swiss and Austrian cuisine for one of Vail’s oldest, tried-and-true dining experiences.

970-476-4671

pepis.com

The Fitz

Location: Vail

Vibe: Upscale American

Located at the Manor Vail Lodge, slightly out of the thick of Vail Village, The Fitz is a great spot for modern and seasonal American cuisine.

970-476-4959

manorvail.com

The Red Lion

Location: Vail

Vibe: Casual American

Grab a few drinks and if you time your visit right, you’ll get to hear live music from Dave Tucker, one of the Vail Valley’s favorite après musicians. Another Vail classic.

970-476-7676

theredlion.com

Vail Brewing Co. and Rocky Mountain Taco

Location: Eagle-Vail

Vibe: Casual drinks and bites

This location won the Vail Daily’s Best of Patio 2019 reader poll, and with the pandemic, the only seating option is outside. Combine beers and tacos to your heart’s content. Best paired with a warm evening and a gorgeous sunset.

VBC: 970-470-4351

Rocky Mountain Taco: 970-401-4443

vailbrewingco.com

rockymountaintaco.com

Vendetta’s

Location: Vail

Vibe: Casual drinks and bites

Pizza and beer is a match made in heaven, and these are two things that Vendetta’s is known for in the Vail Valley. Grab a few beers or a whole pitcher; a slice or the whole pie. The adventure is up to you.

970-476-5070

vendettasvail.com

Vin48

Location: Avon

Vibe: Modern Italian

The Vin48 patio brings the sultry atmosphere of the restaurant outdoors – another great spot for apps and drinks or a full meal.

970-748-9463

vin48.com

Name of business: Sakaba, located at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Physical address: 0130 Daybreak Ridge Rd, Avon, CO 81620

Phone number: 970-343-1168

Email: RCBGdining@ritzcarlton.com

Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/colorado/bachelor-gulch/dining/sakaba

What goods or services are you offering at this time? 

We are offering a full menu at Sakaba, featuring the freshest fish. We have a wide variety of sushi, sashimi and nigiri, as well as hot and cold plates, like our Black Miso Cod, and an expansive selection of sake, beer, wine and cocktails. Or, enjoy a real treat and let the chef prepare a four-chair omakase experience for your group!

How have you adjusted to serve your customers during these unprecedented times? 

We are now serving our full menu outside and maintaining proper social distancing and safety protocols at all times. 

How can the community support you? 

Please, come and dine with us on our patio! The weather is beautiful and the food light and fresh, perfect for summer. Gift certificates are always a great option too, whether for a visit later this year, or it always makes for a great gift!

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings?

Our website is up-to-date, but please always feel free to give us a ring to make a reservation, or ask us any questions. 

What’s the response been?

We have been thrilled to host returning Ritz-Carlton guests at Sakaba, many of whom are just venturing out for the first time, and show them a great dining experience. It has also been great to see so many local faces too at the restaurant. We are thankful we have the opportunity to serve guests outside and our employees are also happy to see both our local fans and new and returning hotel guests. 

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves? 

We have updated health and safety processes in place to welcome guests to Sakaba. We look forward to meeting more locals and visitors as we go through our first summer season at Sakaba!

Editor’s note: This story first appeared as a paid feature in EAT magazine, highlighting restaurants across the valley.

Children bundled in layers of coats and scarves skate in concentric circles around the ice rink, waving like hand-sock puppeteers in their oversized mittens to parents on high-backed couches clustered around the fire pits that pepper Beaver Creek Plaza.

Situated steps from the rink, the warm light and rustic hospitality of Toscanini Ristorante beckon, and families are reunited as they drift in out of the cold with rosy cheeks and smiles to cozy up with a few of Executive Chef John Zavoral’s culinary creations.

A veteran of fine dining Italian cuisine, Zavoral’s Rocky Mountain journey has taken him through the kitchens of The Wildflower and Cucina Rustica in the Lodge at Vail, The 10th on Vail Mountain and to Campo di Fiori in Vail Village before whisking him down the road to Beaver Creek.

From staples like traditional balsamic-drizzled bruschetta with burrata, olive oil, tomatoes and basil to his signature pan-seared scallops with wild mushroom risotto and truffle butter sauce, Zavoral has mastered the genre, and his theme for Toscanini’s winter menu is Italian comfort food: some hearty dishes, some light, and many shareable.

“We want to treat our guests like family,” he said. “Which leads to our experience and what our service is all about: family. We even emphasize this with our team. We all sit down together and relax a bit before service with a family meal.”

A good place to start is the chef’s choice carpaccio, which today is gossamer slices of elk with lemon aioli, accented with arugula and crunchy, deep-fried capers. The communal approach continues through the restaurant’s selection of pizzas, including the Figura, a medley of poached figs rehydrated in red wine, sugar and port; Parma ham, red onion and balsamic dusted in First Snow cheese from Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy in Buena Vista.

A classic lemoncello fizz or negroni is the perfect digestif between courses before digging in to Toscanini’s pastas and proteins: house-made ravioli pillows stuffed with butternut squash and toasted with crispy pancetta in a sage-brown butter sauce or pork shank braised tender with baby carrots and gremolata on a bed of whipped potatoes.

Other Italian classics include bolognese lasagna, vodka penne or sundried tomato pesto ballerine with grilled artichokes, or choose the beef fillet with ricotta cavatelle, wild boar sausage and gouda fonduta. Each flavor is magnified by an expert pairing from the restaurant’s award-winning, 100% Italian wine list.

The moon rises over the mountains and children yawn with contentment, snuggled up in the arms of their parents, who savor bites of delicate sorbet or decadent tiramisu coupled with a frothy latte or shot of espresso to complete the meal.

“Toscanini is where guests are treated like family as they gather rink-side for timeless Italian cuisine,” Zavoral said. “We love being a part of each guest’s experience.”

Toscanini

Price

Antipasti e zuppe: $10-$22

Pizza: $13-$16

Insalate: $11-14

Pasta and secondi: $22-$48

Ambiance

Lively and informal Italian fine dining

Signature dish

Pan-seared scallops with wild mushroom risotto and truffle butter sauce

Editor’s note: This story first appeared as a paid feature in EAT Magazine, highlighting restaurants across the valley.

Spend the day cruising the slopes of Beaver Creek, and you’re sure to work up an appetite. But rather than go home and shower or change your clothes, head to the Dusty Boot. Here, you’re welcome as you are, whether you’re stopping for a pint or splurging on the house-made prime rib.

Since 1997, Dusty Boot Roadhouse (or just “The Boot”) has been serving hormone-free, grass-fed Colorado beef in the form of burgers and steaks to visitors and locals alike. With both lunch and dinner, the menu focuses on such classic grill fare as nachos, sliders and wings for starters; burgers and hearty sandwiches are on offer, as are entrées with an international flair: Think Mediterranean pasta, Thai peanut noodles and guajillo chicken enchiladas. Then there are the hand-cut steaks: In addition to the filet and ribeye, the house slow-roasted prime rib is making a comeback.

If you’re looking for veggies or lighter fare, the Dusty Boot has that covered, too, with a range of salads and “power bowls” featuring short ribs, tuna or a choice of chicken, steak or shrimp on grains such as faro and quinoa.

If the slopes have made your throat dusty, the Boot can quench that need with a variety of cocktails including a range of margaritas and mules, which can be crafted with Colorado spirits. And if it’s beer you’re craving, Dusty Boot has one of the largest tap lists and most popular happy hours in Beaver Creek.

As of recently, the Boot has joined as an official venue on the beer tracking and social media app for beer lovers, Untappd.

“We’re going to try new, fun things and kind of see what people like here,” said Missy DeJourno, assistant general manager at the Dusty Boot. “We can get some sours and stuff that we haven’t played with before, so that should be fun. I’m excited to try new things.”

Each year, AAA awards diamond ratings to restaurants across the United States, and five Vail Valley restaurants received awards.

Each chosen restaurant can receive up to five diamonds, and 18 of the 77 Colorado restaurants honored received four diamonds.

The Vail restaurants that received diamonds are: Grouse Mountain Grill, Mirabelle, Splendido, Game Creek Restaurant and Beano’s Cabin. Beano’s was the only new addition to the list from last year.

“This mountainside restaurant is located in a former hunting lodge and comes complete with antler chandeliers and a cozy fireplace,” AAA said in its description of the restaurant. “The seasonal fixed price menu offers multiple courses and features fare such as venison, Wagyu beef and Colorado lamb. The restaurant is accessed by a scenic shuttle or sleigh ride.”

Here are all 18 of the four-diamond restaurants in Colorado this year:

• Beano’s Cabin, Avon
• Grouse Mountain Grill, Beaver Creek
• Mirabelle at Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek
• Splendido at the Chateau, Beaver Creek
• Game Creek Restaurant, Vail
• Element 47, Aspen
• Frasca Food & Wine, Boulder
• Flagstaff House Restaurant, Boulder
• Summit, Colorado Springs
• Edge Restaurant & Bar, Denver
• Guard and Grace, Denver
• Mizuna, Denver
• Palace Arms, Denver
• Panzano, Denver
• Rioja, Denver
• Alpenglow Stube, Keystone
• Keystone Ranch Restaurant, Keystone
• The Cliff House Dining Room, Manitou Springs

View the full list of four-diamond restaurants in all 50 states here. View the full list of five-diamond restaurants here.