It’s been an unusual year, to say the least, but that hasn’t stopped these local restaurateurs from putting their best foot—and food—forward by opening their doors and offering new flavors to Steamboat’s burgeoning, ever-changing, always evolving dining scene. From French-inspired fine dining and gourmet burgers to locally sourced organic American fare, these new eateries make it more challenging (and more fun) than ever to answer the question, “Where should we have dinner tonight?”
Yampa Valley Kitchen
What it is: The tagline at Yampa Valley Kitchen is “uncompromised food,” which means they’ll only use local, sustainable and organic products, down to the salts, oils, and spices to create their daily breakfast and lunch menus (open 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). “We are all about using quality ingredients and sustainable products,” says owner Hannah Hopkins. “Our menu changes often because it’s based on availability. Part of our mission statement is, if we can’t get it, we won’t serve it.” Style of food: “We are seasonal, creative, and chef inspired,” but nothing too fussy: “American, quality comfort food, home cooking.” On tap: “Our zero-proof craft cocktails are great for during the day, but can also be made with alcohol, since it’s always happy hour in Steamboat.” Must try: “Our crepes are awesome–the lemon curd crepe is our must try. Also, Gravlax on rye, the Kimchi Rueben, and we have soft serve ice cream from Boulder Ice Cream that is hormone and antibiotic free; it’s so good!” Staying positive: “We’re open, and we’re not going anywhere.”//yampavalleykitchen.com, 207 9th Street, (970) 875-3989
Après Burger Bistro
What it is: The perfect pitstop if you’ve worked up an appetite on the slopes and need a burger to go with that beer. You’ll find everything here from creative gourmet burgers and elevated bar food to salads and healthier fare like seared ahi, open daily from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. “We try to use as many local ingredients as we can. We want to support other local businesses,” says owner Antonio Jarana. Style of food: Make no mistake, it’s a burger place, but to define the “trendy, upscale bistro” vibe Jarana is going for, the menu offers a few gourmet twists like the ahi tuna burger with wasabi aioli and even a few vegetarian-friendly options, like the brussels sprouts appetizer or burrata salad. Your health-conscious friends can go for a gluten free bun or lettuce wrap. On tap: Belly up to the historic bar, created for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, for local microbrews or a cocktail made with spirits from Steamboat Whiskey Company. Must try: “The Après Burger with goat cheese, fried green tomato, arugula, and our house made roasted garlic aioli is very popular.” Staying positive: The 5,273 square foot space makes it possible to maintain social distance indoors throughout the winter season. “We also do a lot of takeout.”//apresburgerbistro.com, 2500 Village Drive, (970)-761-2354
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- DISHING IT OUT: STEAMBOAT’S NEW RESTAURANT ROUNDUP
Sauvage
Fine dining, Steamboat-style. Sauvage (yes, that means “savage” and is further explained with the tagline, “where the wild meets perfection”) offers 3, 5, and 8 course tasting menus. “Our menu is about quality ingredients, but we want to make it accessible, something everybody can experience,” says Executive Chef Garrett Kasper. “It’s cordial fine dining but also very affordable and comfortable. We take our food and our service seriously, but we want to be approachable.” Style of food: “We’re French-ish in terms of our French influence, technique, and wine list, but more contemporary than the old French classics.” There is also a bistro style mezzanine menu for more casual options like burgers, duck confit, beef short ribs, and the beloved French onion soup as well as brunch. On tap: A sommelier-curated French wine list and craft cocktails. Must try: “Our New Zealand venison is shipped in fresh and seared with a huckleberry and juniper berry jus” Don’t miss the Colorado pumpkin soup and the Mulard duck breast.” Staying positive: “We are full steam ahead with plans to expand into the bay next door with a French specialty market and wine store, as well as to-go soups and salads. //sauvage-restaurant.com, 910 Yampa Street #104, (970) 761-3737.
