Game Creek Restaurant, Vail, fine dining

Game Creek Restaurant

Game Creek Bowl via the Gondola

970.479.4275

The view

Isolated in the bowl after which it was named, Game Creek Restaurant offers more than a dining experience. Executive Chef Darrell Jensen strives to have the quality of his food match the spectacular views. Situated facing down valley, the rocky mountain sunset is the backdrop for at least one of the four courses you’ll enjoy during your meal.

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The menu

A dinner-only restaurant during the summer months, chef Jensen’s four-course feast leaves you full but not miserable. The menu straddles the line between an Old World mountain lodge and a high-end steakhouse, with such offerings as Colorado rabbit terrine, seared sea scallops with truffle mashed potatoes and hand-cut tagliatelli with three peas. Jensen uses a subtle hand with his dishes, coaching them rather than forcing them into tastiness. As if to underscore the restaurant’s cozy decadence, there’s usually a Kobe beef appetizer on the menu.

Don’t miss

After learning a few new tricks working in Maine during the off season, Jenson is excited to offer salmon poached in olive oil with roasted fennel, petite red potatoes and sorrel sauce. The flavor is amplified by the poaching liquid, which gives a delicate texture to the organic fish. It’s the perfect summertime dish. Start your meal off with the white asparagus soup ” the chef’s favorite ” and then move on to a Colorado beet salad, which is enriched with truffle honey and walnuts.

The journey

Access requires more than just a bus to Lionshead. Stroll to the Eagle-Bahn Gondola and zip up the mountain. A shuttle meets you at the top and whisks you over the ridge to Game Creek Bowl. Plan an extra 15 minutes for the scenic journey up the mountain.