Italy Meets California at the Aspen Mountain Club
Ever wanted to experience dinner at the exclusive Aspen Mountain Club, without having to be a member?
Head up the gondola on Aspen Mountain to 11,212 feet on Saturday, March 24, to enjoy “Italy Meets California” — an evening of Italian food perfectly paired with California wines.
Las Vegas icon and Top Chef Masters finalist Rick Moonen (Chef/Owner of RM Seafood Restaurant) with be serving up dishes at the reception and four-course dinner with wine pairings by Chris Deas of Italian Wine Merchants.
Celebrated chef and Las Vegas icon Rick Moonen will be serving Italian-themed dishes.
Here’s what’s on the evening’s agenda:
Reception
Kushi Oysters served chilled with Cucumbers, Ginger Mignonette and Tobiko Wasabi
Cobia Tartar with Yuzu, Grapefruit and Avocado
Miniature Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aioli
Rabbit Roulade with Pistachio Gremolata and Natural Jus
Domaine Carneros “Le Reve” Blanc de Blanc 2005
Campo al Mare Bolgheri 2009
Ferret Pouilly Fuisse 2009
Dinner
Arctic Char on Braised Leeks, Red Wine Foie Gras Butter and Crisp Taro Root
Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir 2009
Punica Barrua 2007
***
Surf and Turf Pasta
Wild Boar and Lobster Bolognese
Cakebread Vine Hill Ranch Reserve Cabernet 2008
Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Manachiara 2006
***
Seared Loin of Venison with Pear Butter, Wild Mushrooms and Brussel Sprouts
Sequoia Grove Cambium 2007
Sette Ponti Oreno 2008
***
Buttermilk Sage Panna Cotta, Winter Citrus and Graham Cracker Tuile
Michele Chiarlo Moscato
The cost for this evening is $195, excluding tax and gratuity. The gondola departs for this feast at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, please call 970-429-6910. Aspen Mountain Club Members are, of course, welcome at this public event as well.
Iron Bartender – Next to Last Battle
The Little Nell has been asking which local bartender has the skills to be named “Aspen’s Iron Bartender.” Every Sunday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Terrace Bar, two of the town’s leading bartenders have been squaring off in a round robin competition to determine whose cocktail reigns supreme.
And now we’re down to the next to last battle: Erin Harris from Jimmy’s vs. K.C. Clayton of Takah Sushi on Sunday, March 18.
K.C. last wowed the crowd with his orange/cream concoction and can usually be found mixing up all sorts of delicious drinks that go great with Takah’s Japanese and Asian menu or on their on.
If Erin was a cocktail, she’d be a Bellini – fancy, good at starting a party, bubbly and fun (and a tad sweet). She vows to make creative and delicious cocktails that others can emulate and share.
We’re in for a good show, folks.
The winner of this round will face Nate Harnish from Pacifica in the finals on March 26.
The drink gurus have been showing their stuff, using Grand Marnier as an element in creating delicious concoctions. Each guest gets one vote with the purchase of a featured cocktail. The bartender with the most votes at the end of the night moves on to the next round. The contest will culminate in a March 26th throw-down with the ultimate victor winning the crown and a trip to “Tales of The Cocktail” in New Orleans to party with some of America’s greatest cocktail creators.
Spring Jam Skinny
Week one of Bud Light Spring Jam is upon us, and we wanted to make sure you had the skinny on what was happening in town and on the slopes. Should be a great spring weekend!
Start your weekend out right with Bud Light Big Air Fridays on March 16, followed by a torchlight parade and food and drink specials at Snowmass Base Village.
Railroad Earth is performing at the CORE Party in Aspen.
Continue on into Aspen for the Spring Jam CORE Party featuring Railroad Earth with special guest Naka G starting at 8 pm. Want more Railroad Earth? The Core Party Continues at Belly Up Aspen, visit www.bellyupaspen.com for more details and tickets.
Never been in the terrain park? March 17th and 18th is your opportunity to learn rails, boxes and jumps from professional coaches and athletes at Terrain Park Boot Camp at Snowmass. Don’t be afraid… This boot camp is fun!
Come watch the pros throw down at the KickAspen Big Air Saturday, March 17, at the base of Aspen Mountain. This invitational event brings in riders to compete for glory and cash under the lights to the sounds of DJ Naka G starting at 8 pm.
Head back out to Snowmass on Sunday, March 18, at 3 pm for the fourth Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert of the season with The Wailers. Cameron Williams and Steven Vidmour of Jess Grew will perform to start the show just in time for après at 3pm.
Iron Bartender – Final Four
Oh, it’s getting serious now ya’ll.
The Little Nell has been asking which local bartender has the skills to be named “Aspen’s Iron Bartender.” Every Sunday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Terrace Bar, two of the town’s leading bartenders have been squaring off in a round robin competition to determine whose cocktail reigns supreme. And now we’re down to the final four: Nate Harnish of Pacifica; Stryder Devaney from Montagna; Erin Harris from Jimmy’s and K.C. Clayton of Takah Sushi.
The drink gurus have been showing their stuff, using Grand Marnier as an element in creating delicious concoctions. Each guest gets one vote with the purchase of a featured cocktail. The bartender with the most votes at the end of the night moves on to the next round. The contest will continue Sundays through March, culminating in a March 26 throw-down with the ultimate victor winning the crown and a trip to “Tales of The Cocktail” in New Orleans to party with some of America’s greatest cocktail creators.
March 11 pits Nate Harnish against Stryder Devaney.
Nate’s favorite winter cocktail is an Irish Coffee; while Stryder prefers a Negroni… This should be interesting.
JAS Cafe This Friday and Saturday
Jazz vocalist Jackie Ryan takes the stage at the JAS Cafe this Friday & Saturday (March 9 & 10) downstairs at The Little Nell. $30 show tickets are available now by clicking here or calling 970-920-4996 ext. 14. Tickets will be available at the door for $40.
The Little Nell is offering a pre-show 3-course dinner at Ajax Tavern for just $32 (920-6334 for reservations) and at Montagna for just $62 (920-6330 for reservations). Please allow 90 minutes to dine prior to the show start. No time for dinner before the show? No worries, The Little Nell bar menu will be available at all performances!
Blessed with a three and a half octave range, Jackie Ryan has a magnetic stage presence. Her mother, who was Mexican, crooned Spanish folk songs to her when she was a child, and her father, who is Irish, is a classically-trained baritone who sang in several languages. So it is not by accident that her appeal “bridges the gap between both geography and generations,” as Billboard so aptly put it. She was born with it.
Click here for a sample of Jackie’s music
Don’t miss the winter’s last weekend of shows featuring Chuchito Valdes, March 30-31!
Bella Betts and Bluegrass
Bluegrass at The Little Nell? Oh yes my friends! We’re getting ready for a pickin’ party in the Terrace Bar on Sunday night (following Iron Bartender) from 6:45 to 7:45 with Bella Betts.
Bella is an 11-year-old bluegrass musician who rocks the mandolin, guitar and fiddle… and she sings! She’ll be accompanied by local music legend Sandy Munro on Sunday, March 4. Admission is free.
The name may sound familiar to Little Nell regulars — Bella’s dad is master sommelier and former Little Nell wine director, Richard Betts.
Based in Boulder, Bella started playing the guitar at age 5… inspired by Maria in the Sound of Music. She first discovered bluegrass music at the famed Rockygrass Academy in 2008 where she has since had the opportunity to learn from and play with amazing musicians. In 2010, she played a short set with Bryn Davies on the main stage at the Rockygrass Festival.
In 2011, she took the stage with Sarah Jarosz. Bella is also inspired by great musicians like Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers (check out a video of her with the mandolin legend in Telluride last summer here).
Bella is involved in the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society through work in their Educational Outreach Program. She has a great love of animals and volunteers weekly at a vet clinic. She also plays regularly with her mom at an Assisted Living Center in Boulder.
How does she have time for all of this you ask at the age of 11? She’s home-schooled, and according to her mom, she’s following her curiosity, interests and dreams in the school of life-long learning. Lucky for us she’s skiing in Aspen this weekend and willing to share her talents with us here at the hotel. Hope to see you there!
Iron Bartender Round 3
The Little Nell is asking which local bartender has the skills to be named “Aspen’s Iron Bartender.” Every Sunday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Terrace Bar, two of the town’s leading bartenders will square off in a round robin competition to determine whose cocktail reigns supreme.
The drink gurus show their stuff, using Grand Marnier as an element in creating delicious concoctions. Each guest will get one vote with the purchase of a featured cocktail. The bartender with the most votes at the end of the night moves on to the next round. The contest will continue Sundays through March, culminating in a March 26 throw-down with the ultimate victor winning the crown and a trip to “Tales of The Cocktail” in New Orleans to party with some of America’s greatest cocktail creators.
Last week pitted Leah from J-bar against Erin from Jimmy’s, and Erin advanced in the competition! This week we have Nate Harnish of Pacifica “mix off” against Austin Sessions of 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel. Here’s the stats:
Nate Harnish
What is your strategy for victory in the Iron Bartender Competition? Two a Days.
What is your favorite bar tool? Basic Jigger–and Tim Kurnos
What is something you would never be caught drinking? Decaf
What is your height? 6 foot 3 inches in heels
What cocktail would best describe your personality? “Old Fashioned” I’m aged, well balanced and like to be muddled.
Austin Sessions - 39 Degrees
What’s your favorite drink to make? The Sweet and Spicy. It is muddled red bell pepper and jalepeno with lime juice and agave nectar. Then add Milagro silver tequila and Domaine de Canton, shake and serve up in a martini glass. Garnish this with a slice of red bell pepper. It is a very delicious drink, and I take pride in making it.
Who are three people you’d like to have dinner with, alive or dead? I would have a drink with my dad because I always like having a drink with him. I would have a drink with my Great Grandpa who passed away when I was young. He was a very interesting guy and I would have really loved to get to know him. Shane McConkey because he seemed to always be having a good time no matter what.
What’s your strategy for winning? My strategy for victory is to make a good all around cocktail that people can enjoy during apres, and invite as many friends as I can to show up and vote.
What’s your favorite winter cocktail? My favorite winter cocktail right now is just a simple hot toddy. I like it a little on the tart side. It warms up the body and is good for a cold or anything the winter throws at you.
What would your last supper be? A filet cooked medium rare with crab on it then smothered in bearnaise sauce. Then mashed potatoes and steamed veggies on the side. To finish all that off I would have a good bottle of red wine.
Check out this video from Round 1, or take a look at the full bracket here.
Iron Bartender Round 2
The Little Nell is asking which local bartender has the skills to be named “Aspen’s Iron Bartender.” Every Sunday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Terrace Bar, two of the town’s leading bartenders will square off in a round robin competition to determine whose cocktail reigns supreme.
The drink gurus show their stuff, using Grand Marnier as an element in creating delicious concoctions. Each guest will get one vote with the purchase of a featured cocktail. The bartender with the most votes at the end of the night moves on to the next round. The contest will continue Sundays through March, culminating in a March 26 throw-down with the ultimate victor winning the crown and a trip to “Tales of The Cocktail” in New Orleans to party with some of America’s greatest cocktail creators.
Last week featured the battle of the moustaches, and for Round 2, we have some amazing contenders… these ladies promise to BRING IT!
It’s Erin Harris from Jimmy’s vs. Leah Stroup of J-bar (Hotel Jerome)!
- Erin Harris
First up: Stats for Erin Harris
What is your favorite bar tool?
I don’t have a favorite bar tool to name. Each tool has its purpose. To be funny, I would say a cocktail straw because that is what I value the most to ensure the cocktail I am making tastes as it should for my guest. To be really funny, I would say Jimmy, who owns the bar, as I use him whenever needed to make up for any mistakes we make.
What is your favorite winter cocktail?
Just had an amazing one with Hennessy, hot chocolate, toasted pecan bitters and whipped cream. This was created by Lindsay Michelle Nader of Harvard & Stone in Los Angeles.
What would your last supper be?
Mussels, mezcal, cheesy potatoes and a medium rare steak at a table with my friends and family
What cocktail would best describe your personality?
Bellini- fancy, good at starting a party, bubbly and fun! (And a tad sweet)
If we were to buy you a drink what would it be?
I would like to have a ‘Nochita’ of Del Maguey Mezcal. When I visit the small producers of Del Maguey Mezcal it is traditional to have a Mañanita ( a little morning ) when arriving at apalenque (the distillery) to start the day. Typically, it is a small cup of their village mescal, about a half of an ounce. At Jimmy’s, we have created the ‘little evening’ version of the ritual by calling it a Nochita I love all the single village mescals from Del Maguey, but if I had a preference it would be Pechuga. Pechuga is only made once a year in November in the Village of Santa Catarina Minasby Luis Carlos. I have been there to partake in the making of Pechuga, which is what makes it one of my all-time favorites.
Next up: The skinny on Leah Stroup
- Leah Stroup
In your mind what is one of the most underrated spirits?
Perhaps triple sec… I recently tried “Combier” – The original 1834 French recipe only available in the U.S. since 2009. Such a bright and interesting mixer or just by itself.
What is your strategy for victory in the Iron Bartender Competition?
Yummy drinks + big smile
What is something you would never be caught drinking?
White wine spritzer
What is your sign?
I’m a Pisces & Aries Cusp (probably explains why I’m a lil crazy)
What cocktail would best describe your personality?
Lately, a glass of whiskey, preferably one I’ve never tried… It’s comfortable & always has a story & of course gets the job done.
Who will it be? Check The Little Nell on Facebook and Twitter for results.
Valentine’s Truffle Pops
Our pastry kitchen is busy today making lots of sweets for our sweet guests. One favorite item of Pastry Chef Danielle Riesz is the truffle pop. Make them for the ones you love or for yourself… you won’t be disappointed with these show stoppers!
What you’ll need for the truffles:
200 g Heavy Cream
8 ounces Trimolene (purchase at specialty store or online)
280 g Chocolate
40 g Liquor of your choice
As needed: Cocoa Powder
Method:
1. Bring the cream to a boil
2. Whisk in the trimoline and bring back to a boil.
3. Pour over the chocolate and liquor.
4. Whisk until smooth and pour into a hotel pan (a long flat-bottomed pan of 12″ x 20″ size) to set overnight with plastic wrap directly on top.
5. Scoop balls (using a melon baller or small scoop) and roll into cocoa powder.
6. Keep airtight and cool in the refrigerator until ready to dip into assorted toppings.
What you’ll need for the dip:
2 bars of dark or white couveture of your preference (couveture is a high quality chocolate that has extra cocoa butter)
36 White Candy Sticks
Method:
1. Melt the chocolate in the microwave
2. Push candy sticks into truffle balls. Prepare a bowl with sugar in it to hold sticks upright.
3. Dip truffle balls into chocolate, let drip, then sick straight up into bowl of sugar so they are standing up straight.
4. Continue to dip all the truffle balls. To decorate, immediately place toasted nuts, coffee beans or chocolate chips on the top of the ball with the chocolate, or stripe them with chocolate.
5. Keep refrigerated until served. Note: Makes 36 truffle pops!
Iron Bartender Round One
The Little Nell is asking which local bartender has the skills to be named “Aspen’s Iron Bartender.” Every Sunday starting February 12 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Terrace Bar, two of the town’s leading bartenders will square off in a round robin competition to determine whose cocktail reigns supreme.
The drink gurus will show their stuff, using Grand Marnier as an element in creating delicious concoctions. Each guest will get one vote with the purchase of a featured cocktail. The bartender with the most votes at the end of the night moves on to the next round. The contest will continue Sundays through March, culminating in a March 26 throw-down with the ultimate victor winning the crown and a trip to “Tales of The Cocktail” in New Orleans to party with some of America’s greatest cocktail creators.
Up first is a bit of a Little Nell internal battle… Ajax Tavern’s Erik Wardell will face Montagna Bar’s Strider Devaney. The two will duke it out in the Terrace Bar Feb. 12. (Check here for the full competition bracket.)
To help you with a little backstory (anyone taking bets?), here’s a look at these two fierce competitors:
Erik Wardell
In your mind what is one of the most underrated spirits?
Mezcal
If you could sit down and have a drink with 3 people living or dead who would it be?
Gandhi, Carl Jung and Stephen Hawking
What is your strategy for victory in the Iron Bartender Competition?
Make a cocktail I would not feel awkward ordering in a bar with my friends and work the crowd
What cocktail would best describe your personality?
A double Macallan 12 on the rocks. Young, approachable, just classy enough and ready for some wholesome fun.
What is your height?
Tall enough to reach the top shelf.
Strider Devaney
What is something you would never be caught drinking?
White zin with a side of ice.
What is your favorite winter cocktail?
Negroni
If you could sit down and have a drink with 3 people living or dead who would it be?
Hunter S Thompson, my dad and Jimmy Buffet.
What would your last supper be?
Surf N Turf. King crab legs with a Ribeye.
What cocktail would best describe your personality?
A Mojito. A pain in the ass but always puts a smile on your face.
Who will it be? Come to the Terrace Bar to vote!
