Classic Aspen: Food, Wine, Skiing (really!)
It's unfortunately easy to believe you're cool when you find yourself 11212 feet above the ocean, on the top of Aspen Mountain, competing for food, drinks and attention with Tom Coliccio, David Chang, Padma Lakshmi, Bobby Flay, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Ming Tsai -- among others. Then again, the gondola ride to the top of the mountain can make you giddy -- that and the fabulous Moroccan themed spread put out by Food & Wine and the Food & Wine Classic's mother-ship, American Express Publishing.
It's the morning after and I'm sitting here, nursing a hangover in what I think must be Aspen's coolest and best coffee shop, Ink. It's another gorgeous day. Incredibly, because there's enough snow at the top of the mountain, the locals have come out to ski, emerging from the side streets looking scruffy and earthy -- reminding me of the Aspen I remember.
I was born in Aspen and I spent my first decade here but I haven't been back since my family moved to Idaho in 1974. Returning has been an unexpected pleasure. Everyone warned me Aspen was ruined; I've been pleasantly surprised. Sure, there are too many giant houses built for people who like to shop and don't find it unreasonable to throw down $3,000 for a scarf. But in the end, Aspen is still gorgeous -- the mountains and air haven't changed a bit.
Food and wine. Classic indeed. I plan to work up another classic hangover tonight. I never argue with grilled cheese, champagne, and free range caviar at 2 AM.
*Image from Bill McMillan's Biology page.
Cree LeFavour
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