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WYLD at Bachelor Gulch takes ‘simple’ to the next level

Kim Fuller
Special to the Weekly
Colorado striped bass with artichoke and fennel barigoule, confit tomatoes, chorizo and brown butter.
Kristin Anderson | Special to the Weekly | Kristin Anderson | Special to th

If you go ...

What: WYLD, alpine-refined dining room featuring Colorado cuisine.

Where: 0130 DAYBREAK RIDGE, Avon.

Cost: Tapas and shared plates $13-$18; entrees $24-$54.

Signature dish: Colorado striped bass with artichoke and fennel barigoule, confit tomatoes, chorizo and brown butter.

More information: Call 970-343-1555.

Editor’s note: This article was previously published as a paid feature in EAT, a compendium of restaurant snapshots featuring the best in Vail Valley dining. Look for it on newsstands everywhere.

A refined palate doesn’t crave complicated flavors, but ingredient. WYLD captures “simple” and takes it to the next level. The restaurant projects a refined definition of Colorado cuisine, highlighting the best elements of the environment, from local ingredients to rustic and inspired combinations.

“We’re keeping it refined, yet familiar at the same time,” explains Food and Beverage Manager Christopher Saputo. “I think at the heart of it is keeping those Colorado roots — reminding you where you are, whether you’re looking at it on the plate or admiring the space.”



The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch restaurant offers a vast selection of mountain tapas so tables can indulge in trying multiple dishes. Start with a fire roasted cauliflower to share. It’s an impressive take on the vegetable, served as the whole head on a skillet, complemented by a flavor-rich lemon gremolata, buttermilk aioli and batula oil.

“It’s a dish that in particular represents what we are trying to do,” Saputo says. “We get creative with the ingredients we have, while still staying true to them. Food can be simple and still taken to the next level.”

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For another hearty and fresh option, try the Alpine Cabbage. This warming tapa has braised cabbage over a bed of butternut squash velouté, along with shaved root vegetables, pressed apples and toasted pumpkin seeds.

While pan seared scallops are a taste of the ocean, the hearty play on this dish feels very native. The buttery mollusks are placed on a spiced carrot puree with roasted cauliflower, toasted almonds, capers and golden raisins.

For your entrée, selections from the “Butcher’s Block” portion of the menu are all about highlighting the meat. Try the 8-ounce beef filet, the elk rack or the Colorado lamb chop, and a side order or two can fill out the portion if your appetite is ready. Insider’s tip: both the Boursin mashed potatoes and the green bean amandine are perfect accompaniments.

Fully plated entrées showcase creativity from the kitchen and wonderful options to enjoy. The Colorado striped bass is served with artichoke and fennel barigoule (a traditional braised dish), confit tomatoes, chorizo and brown butter, and WYLD’s wild boar comes with San Marzano tomatoes, Grana Padano cheese and roasted veal marrow.

If you’re looking to drink your dessert, try the hot toddy-style libation from the talents of bartender Samantha Means. “Sammy’s Toddy” is made with cognac, spiced rum, hot water, a little bit of sweet and a sugar rim, garnished with a decorative star anise. Raise your glass and take a sip to seal in this lovely finale.


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