Be Social at the Best New Restaurant in Aspen

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Each winter and summer season, new restaurants appear on Aspen’s dining scene, and it’s always interesting to see which ones rise above the rest to knock the socks off not only Aspen’s multi-cultural visitors, but also its locals, typically sophisticated diners who appreciate a good wine list.

This ski season, we’ve got a clear winner — Social Restaurant, serving “global tapas” in a hip, modern decor. (Think low ceilings and giant chrome spheres shining light on opaque glass tables. No rough-hewn timber logs or elk antlers in sight!)

Co-owned and operated a longtime Aspen restaurateur Tommy Tollesson, a native Swede who also runs next-door Elevation restaurant, Social has a menu that’s meant to be shared. When two Denver friends came to town last month (that’s me and best-childhood-friend, Jill, happily posing in front of our generous pours), I brought them to Social for ajillk.jpg meal that was filled with lots of laughs, lots of “Mmmmmm…. try this!” and plenty of vino.

We shared a whole artichoke, truffled & smoked with traditional aioli; ginger pork pineapple satay with tamarind glaze; pear, prosciutto, brie & pecorinio lavache (we had no clue what lavache was, but thought the rest of the ingredients sounded yummy; turns out it’s like a flatbread); seared tuna with crab risotto & broccolini (one of only two “big plates” on the menu for $30; meant for one, but we all dug into the best risotto I ever tasted); kobe meatballs, boursin cheese mashers & carmelized onion jus; and paella stuffed clams. To finish, we our own little chocolate fondue pot brought to the table.

We dropped about $70 each on a really fun meal with alcohol, which is not bad, considering I’ve had my portions of checks reach $100 when I’ve gone out with friends for sushi in Aspen.

So thumbs up to Tommy and his business partners for bringing to Aspen not only a restaurant with a stellar, varied menu, but an entire dining “experience.”

Social Restaurant is on the street level at 304 East Hopkins Ave. (Elevation is downstairs, and Social’s bar/lounge is upstairs.) Reservations highly recommended for Social’s dining room: 970-925-9700.

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February 8, 2008 | Filed Under Luxury Travel 

Comments

3 Responses to “Be Social at the Best New Restaurant in Aspen”

  1. MudslideMama says:
    February 8, 2008 at

    Sounds like a fun night – and strangely affordable, considering how high the bill can usually run at trendy places in trendy towns. I’m glad you had a great night with your “bff.” :)

  2. MountainMama says:
    February 8, 2008 at

    Okay, so I’ve amended the piece. I just called my credit card company and my portion of the bill was $71. And that’s not including a glass of wine I got at Social’s lounge prior to dinner! So, a little more than I’d previously thought, but oh so worth it!

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    March 6, 2008 at

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