Vail, Colorado – June 23, 2023 – The famed Michelin Guide is coming to Vail. Last week, Michelin announced that their famously anonymous inspectors are already in the field preparing for the first Michelin Guide Colorado, which will cover the Town of Vail in addition to other Front Range and mountain destinations in the state. The first Michelin Guide Colorado selection will be revealed later in 2023.
“Vail’s restaurants and chefs consistently deliver outstanding cuisine to local residents and discerning global visitors,” said Esmarie Faessler, chair of the Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council. “We’re thrilled that our local dining scene will be evaluated as part of the first edition of the Michelin Guide Colorado. This is a great opportunity for our local restaurants to receive the additional recognition that they deserve.”
With more than 75 bars and restaurants based in the Town of Vail, Michelin’s inspectors have their tasty work cut out for them. Vail is home to a number of award-winning restaurants that are known for delivering quality dining experiences that frequently land them on “best of” dining lists including:
- Almresi – Innovative and elevated specialties from the Alps, served in a rustic chalet-like setting. Named a “Best Restaurant in Vail” by SKI Magazine.
- La Nonna Ristorante Vail – Authentic Italian food including homemade pasta, sauces and deserts alongside outstanding imported wines and more. Named an “Essential Vail Restaurant” by Eater Denver.
- Matsuhisa – Acclaimed Japanese seafood and sushi fused with Peruvian ingredients. Named a “Best Restaurant in Vail” by Forbes.
- Mountain Standard – Focusing on the purist Rocky Mountain ingredients cooked over an open fire. Mountain Standard’s Sous, Chef Maria Busato has been named Colorado Chef of the Year and the restaurant was a named a “Best in Vail” by Robb Report.
- Sweet Basil – A legendary spot offering creative and contemporary Colorado-style New American cuisine. Sweet Basil holds a AAA three-diamond award.
Vail’s legendary dining experiences also extend to the mountain where diners can enjoy The 10th, Vail’s premier on-mountain upscale restaurant. Located atop Gondola One at MidVail overlooking the majestic Gore Range, The 10th offers updated classics with a quintessential mountain feel with breathtaking views.
The town’s dining scene is also constantly building on the existing culture of culinary excellence to meet consumer demand. A number of outlets have recently opened or expanded significantly including Barrio Social, Slope Room, Chasing Rabbits and Root & Flower.
“Colorado has a dynamic culinary scene – one that’s perfect for the Michelin Guide,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guides. “The state’s hotspot locations feature many creative restaurant teams and an exciting mix of flavors. A blend of
cultural influences provides chefs inspiration to reinvent classic dishes. And it all starts with the freshest seasonal ingredients, such as local fruits, vegetables, fish and game. Gourmets will travel from near and far to get a taste of what Colorful Colorado has to offer!”
The famously anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors award the iconic Michelin Stars – one, two or three – to unparalleled cuisine. The Guide is also renowned for its Bib Gourmand selection, highlighting restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices. The Michelin Green Star is given to restaurants that are leaders in sustainable gastronomy. Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the inspectors.
The first Michelin Guide Colorado will cover the Town of Vail, Beaver Creek Resort, Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village.
Meticulous in maintaining their confidentiality, Michelin Guide inspectors are already evaluating Colorado’s restaurants, making dining reservations anonymously and paying for all their meals to ensure they are treated the same as any other customer.
Michelin Guide History and Methodology
The upcoming Colorado restaurant selection will follow Michelin’s historical methodology, based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavors; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (each restaurant is inspected several times a year).
The Michelin Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking a great meal. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice to French motorists. Michelin’s inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by inspectors in the very beginning, now applied in destinations around the world.
Michelin published its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have since been added in Washington, D.C.; Chicago; California; Miami/Orlando/Tampa, Florida; Toronto; and Vancouver.
About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)
About Discover Vail
Discover Vail in the spring, summer and fall. There’s no place like Vail for year-round recreation, outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Nestled at the foot of Vail Mountain just two hours west of Denver, Vail’s fresh air, rugged beauty and charming pedestrian villages await visitors. Discover quaint Bavarian villages where outdoor activities abound and the performing arts flourish. Matching the incredible winter mountain experience, Vail from May through October is characterized by a rich culinary scene, family activities, world-class events and everything in between.
###
Media Contacts: Kristin Yantis or Amanda McNally, Malen Yantis Public Relations, [email protected], (970) 949-7919