The Taste Of Vail Featured The Best Chefs, Wines, And Food
This year's Taste of Vail served up some palate-pleasing food and wine offerings all around the downtown areas of Lionshead and Vail Village. The event included the participation of 30 guest chefs, local restaurants, sommeliers, winemakers, and 55 worldwide wineries.
One of the country's top food and wine festivals, Taste of Vail was held over four days in April 2017 and kicked off with a showcase of 2016 rosés, which are enjoying increased popularity in the U.S. Many tipplers are discovering the varieties of rosés, from semi-sweet to off-dry to sparkling, and attendees were able to sample up to 100 different varietals.
Other events included tastings of pinot noir from around the world, a seminar on wine pairing for difficult dishes, and a paella luncheon featuring Spanish wines. Accessing the various venues is quite easy in Vail, with free shuttle services providing transportation throughout the area.
The American lamb cook-off held in Vail Village covered several blocks and was a huge après ski celebration. Some of the area's best chefs prepared various incarnations of lamb dishes, and then the public could cast their votes to decide the winner. Chef Christopher Schmidt of Sweet Basil took the top spot with his spring Reuben sandwich with house sauerkraut and green harissa mayo.
One of the highlights (literally) was the tasting held at 10,300 feet, atop Vail Mountain. A gondola took foodies to mingle with chefs and winemakers on a snow-packed mountain. Ticketholders were able to sample a tremendous selection of wines as well as small plates from some of the finest restaurants in Vail at one of the only events of its kind.
One of the mountaintop vendors, The Remedy, is The Four Season Resort and Residences' answer to what ails you. This casual and fun bar is considered the heartbeat of the hotel and is the perfect place to recuperate after a day of skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, or just perusing the many shops and boutiques any time throughout the year.
Serving up mountain-casual fare, the bar is configured like an old-fashioned apothecary featuring various cures and remedies on the coasters. One of these, for example, says, "For a mosquito bite, rub the bite with the inside of a banana peel." You can order delightful small plates called Doctor's Orders, Therapies, and Concoctions. You can also have the Doctor of Drinks come by with their Après Whiskey Cart to create tableside cocktails. Even the texture of the menus is designed to look and feel like a doctor's medical bag — at least back when they made house calls!
Without a doubt, you should not leave The Remedy without trying the World Famous Remedy Haute Chocolate ($16 for one or $28 for two). This sensation is prepared using two types of Swiss chocolate, marshmallow, and Chantilly cream. The presentation itself is enough to get your taste buds jumping in anticipation. A mug gilded with a lattice of chocolate is placed before you along with a house-made marshmallow. The liquid is then poured slowly on top, dissolving all of the heavenly ingredients into a creamy, smooth, and decadent cup of some of the best hot chocolate you will likely have anywhere.
The Taste of Vail only happens once a year, but don't let that stop you from visiting any time of the year to enjoy the fresh air, food, and various attractions that will satisfy any desire.
FTC Disclosure: This was a sponsored visit, however, all opinions herein are the author's.